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The men were apprehended on July 22 after concerned citizens posed as underage children on various social media sites, Atlantic City police said.
"They would confront the individual and notify local law enforcement," police said in a statement.
"The citizens provided the responding officers with screenshots of conversations and detailed information that was shared between the citizens and the suspects."
The following men were arrested:
Jose Machuca, 51, of Hyattsville, MD.
Sambatrimiaina Raminoson, 26, of Atlantic City, NJ.
Eugene Pulley, 49, of Philadelphia, PA.
Clifford Horn, 54, of Chalfont, PA.
Horn works as a corporal with the Central Bucks Regional Police Department, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.
UPDATE: The Central Bucks Police Department released this statement on July 27:
"The Central Bucks Regional Police Commission, including the Boroughs of Chalfont, Doylestown and New Britain; Chief Karl Knott, and the men and women of the Central Bucks Regional Police Department are encouraging a thorough investigation surrounding the allegations and arrest of Corporal Clifford Horn. Investigations are taking place in multiple jurisdictions across two states. At this time, investigations are in the early stages.
The Police Commission and CBRPD hold in profound regard not only a police officer’s commitment to uphold the law but also their commitment to law enforcement’s code of ethics and conduct in the community.
At an Emergency Executive Session last night, the Police Commission directed Chief Karl Knott to place Corporal Clifford Horn on suspension from the Central Bucks Regional Police Department without pay effective immediately. This directive will be ratified at the next public meeting."
"The Bucks County District Attorney's Office is aware of the investigation and arrest of CBRPD Corporal Clifford Horn in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Our office has assigned personnel to assist New Jersey authorities in any capacity, and to investigate and prosecute any criminal activity that may have occurred in Bucks County," DA Matt Weintraub said in a statement.
"This office protects all victims, regardless of whether the accused perpetrator is an officer of the law or not. No one is above the law. Our office will begin the process of evaluating all Bucks County criminal cases in which Cpl. Horn was involved."
All four were released on a summons with a future court date, police said.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766.
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