MARTINS FERRY — The Martins Ferry Police Department arrested five men on importuning charges after a months-long investigation.

Police Chief John McFarland on Thursday said his department levied several charges against the men, who allegedly believed they were soliciting girls online.

“The investigation was started by the officer creating a social media account posing as a juvenile female,” McFarland said. “In doing so charges have been brought against five local residents. I give a big thank-you to the officer who investigated these cases and to the Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Moundsville Police Department for their assistance.”

Following is a list of the men who were arrested and the charges against them:

– Chaz Michael Dixon, 34, of 53281 Blaine Barton Road, St. Clairsville, importuning a juvenile under the age of 16 but greater than 13, importuning a law enforcement officer posing as a child under the age of 16 but greater than 13 and, disseminating materials harmful to juveniles, all fifth-degree felonies; possession of drugs, a first-degree misdemeanor; possession of drug paraphernalia, a fourth-degree misdemeanor; and possession of drug abuse instruments, a first-degree misdemeanor.

– Daniel B. Bauer, 37, of 51355 Mellott Ridge Road, Beallsville, importuning under the age of 16 but greater than 13, importuning a law enforcement officer posing as a child under the age of 16 but greater than 13 and disseminating materials harmful to juveniles, all fifth-degree felonies.

– Richard Timothy McCabe, 52, of 138 Second Ave., Bellaire, importuning under the age of 16 but greater than 13, importuning a law enforcement officer posing as a child under the age of 16 but greater than 13 and disseminating materials harmful to juveniles, all fifth-degree felonies.

– Corey Allen Henry, 28, of 701 Myrtle Ave., Moundsville, importuning under the age of 16 but greater than 13, importuning a law enforcement officer posing as a child under the age of 16 but greater than 13 and disseminating materials harmful to juveniles, all fifth-degree felonies.

– Roy Clinton Keyser II, 45, of 221 Cedar Ave., Moundsville, importuning under the age of 16 but greater than 13, importuning a law enforcement officer posing as a child under the age of 16 but greater than 13, disseminating materials harmful to juveniles and improper handling of weapons, all fifth-degree felony charges.