St. Cloud Man Facing Felony Prostitution Charge After Online Sting

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud man with a history of hiring prostitutes is facing a felony charge after investigators say he was busted in an online sting operation.

According to the criminal complaint, the Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force posted an advertisement on a website known to be used for soliciting prostitution in the St. Cloud area. Investigators say Michael William Huth responded to the ad on April 29th and exchanged messages with an undercover investigator over the following days, eventually agreeing to pay for sexual services.

The complaint says the 45-year-old arrived at the location in a black Chevrolet Suburban on May 1st. When an officer activated his emergency lights and identified himself, Huth then ran from the vehicle and got away. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was located by the St. Joseph Police Department on Tuesday, May 26th.

The patron prostitution count was charged as a felony because of two prior convictions for the same offense in Stearns County, both sentenced in December of 2023. That charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He was also charged with fleeing a peace officer.

His next court hearing is set for June 18th.

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