CANFIELD — The 16 men charged in Mahoning County over the weekend with various offenses connected to a sex-sting operation carried out by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force were arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Mahoning County Area Court in Canfield.

Judge Molly Johnson set bonds of $25,000 in all of the cases except one. Most of the defendants were charged with several felony offenses with each offense being punishable by a prison sentence if convicted.

All 16 were charged with various offenses when the person answered an advertisement on internet websites and tried to arrange for sex with minors, according to Sheriff Jerry Greene.

The defendants and the outcome of their hearings are:

• Gary R. Minch Jr., 50, of West Alexander, Pa., a machinist, is facing charges of compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, importuning and possession of criminal tools. He is out on bond. His next court date is not set;

• Jeremiah Torrence, 32, of Akron, mechanic, is facing charges of attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and single counts of importuning and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Friday for a preliminary hearing;

• Carlos Rush, 57, Warren, security officer, is facing charges of compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Sept. 20 for a preliminary hearing;

• Mark J. Dupuis, 27, New Iberia, La., truck driver, is facing charges of attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, importuning and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Friday for a preliminary hearing;

• John Burnett, 35, South Beverly Avenue, Austintown, machinist, is facing charges of compelling prostitution, importuning, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Sept. 20 for a preliminary hearing.

• Michael Beal, 44, Mahoning Road, Deerfield, roofing contractor, is facing charges of importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Sept. 20 for a preliminary hearing;

• Gary Wellendorf, 64, West Lewis Street, Struthers, importuning, is facing charges of attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Oct. 7 for a preliminary hearing;

• Glen A. Jones, 58, Clark, N.J., truck driver, is facing charges of compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Oct. 7 for a preliminary hearing;

• Herbert Lashhorn, 46, Akron, truck driver, is facing charges of compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Friday for a preliminary hearing;

• Justin Teague, 44, Thalia Avenue, Poland, casino employee, is facing charges of importuning, attempted sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is out on bond, which was set at $5,000. His next court date has not been set;

• Benjamin Virga, 52, Shelby, Mich., auto paint delivery, is facing charges of importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and possessing criminal tools. His next court date has not been set;

• Tomas Baker Sr., 37, Willard Avenue Northeast, Warren, fast food general manager, is facing charges of compelling prostitution, attempted sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected in court 11 a.m. Sept. 30 for a preliminary hearing;

• Thomas Ashby, 34, Hunter Street NW, Warren, moving company worker, is facing charges of compelling prostitution, attempted sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court next at 11 a.m. Friday for a preliminary hearing;

• Jay Emmert, 33, Hartzell Avenue, Niles, roofer / construction, is facing charges of importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Friday for a preliminary hearing;

• Robert Hartsock, 46, Como Street, Struthers, plumbing, is facing charges of compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possession of criminal tools. His next court date has not been set;

• Ronnie Lampkin, 38, Salt Springs Road, Youngstown, is facing charges of importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possessing criminal tools. He is expected to be in court 11 a.m. Oct. 7 for a preliminary hearing;

The 17th defendant is Jake McMahon, 28, of New Castle, Pa., who was charged by East Palestine police and was arraigned Monday in Columbiana County Municipal Court. He was charged with felony compelling prostitution, attempt to commit an offense and possession of criminal tools and Judge Katelyn Dickey set bond at $10,000. He returns for his second hearing Aug. 28. He was ordered to have no contact with any juvenile.