TRENTON, N.J. — Two school bus drivers were among 14 men who were recently arrested and charged in an operation targeting child pornography offenders in New Jersey, authorities announced on Thursday.

Andrew Schreiner, 28, was employed as a school bus driver in Mays Landing by Sheppard Bus Co. at the time of his arrest on July 11. He allegedly exchanged sexually explicit images with an underage male he met online. He is charged with possession of child pornography and endangering the welfare of a child.

Armando Nortez, 28, also was employed as a school bus driver by Sheppard Bus when he was arrested on June 25. He is charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

A total of 28 defendants have been charged in two offender sweeps under “Operation Predator Alert,” a joint operation by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The operation has targeted offenders in New Jersey who used a file-sharing network to download and distribute child pornography on the Internet.

“We’re utilizing these child pornography sweeps to arrest these predators before they can harm more victims or pursue their victims offline,” said John Hoffman, New Jersey’s acting attorney general.

All 14 men arrested in the latest Operation Predator Alert sweep are charged under a new state statute that enhances the penalties for those who possess, distribute or manufacture child pornography.

Regarding the school bus drivers who were arrested, Sheppard Bus Co. spokesman Manny Cabegin told The Star-Ledger that both had passed background checks. The two men were fired when the company was informed of their arrests.

"At this time, we're not away of any connection between the allegations and their employment with Sheppard Bus Company," Cabegin told The Star-Ledger.