More than 80 people across eight US states have been arrested as part of a child pornography investigation, authorities have said.

The investigation, known as Operation Southern Impact III, was a four month long process spread across southern states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia.

It focused on those who possessed and produced child pornography and used the internet to establish contact with and sexually prey upon minors.

During the investigation and arrests, 861 digital devices were previewed and 1,613 digital devices were seized. Four of the 82 arrested were previously registered sex offenders.

More than 170 government agencies, both local and federal, participated in the investigation after an influx of online tips regarding exploited children.

In a press release, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation wrote: “The arrestees ranged in age from 20 to 70. Some of their occupations included non-profit employee, small business owner, store clerk, mechanic, daycare administrator, youth group leader, former high school band director, freelance photographer, construction worker and painter.”

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