(KNSI) – A weekend-long human trafficking sting in Central Minnesota resulted in five arrests and multiple ongoing investigations.
On Monday, the Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force announced the results of an operation conducted February 21st and 22nd in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), targeting individuals attempting to purchase sex in the area.
Four of those arrested face gross misdemeanor charges related to attempting to solicit someone for prostitution. A fifth individual was arrested on a felony charge of soliciting a person under the age of 18.
All five are expected to be charged by complaint through the Stearns County Attorney’s Office and are awaiting court appearances. Authorities say additional arrests are likely.
The operation also generated several active electronic solicitation of a child investigations, which remain ongoing. Task force officials declined to comment further given their active status.
The Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force is made up of officers from the St. Cloud Police Department, Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sartell Police Department.
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