Cooper County authorities say two Mid-Missouri men are facing charges after allegedly trying to meet a 16-year-old for sex.

Deputies arrested 36-year-old Jaren Shropshire of Ashland and 44-year-old Andrew Newton of Columbia after both men reportedly responded to an online post and traveled to Boonville.

Shropshire faces multiple charges, including attempted child enticement and drug possession.

Newton is charged with attempted enticement and has pleaded not guilty.

Officials say both men were taken into custody without incident.

The arrests happened Friday as part of a Counter Child Exploitation Operation involving the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office, Boonville Police, and Homeland Security.