11 Arrested In St. Paul Sex Trafficking Sting: Police

ST. PAUL, MN — Eleven people were arrested in a sting operation in St. Paul after trying to solicit minors for sex or for promoting prostitution, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The sting operation was conducted on Thursday and Friday, authorities said.

Suspects unknowingly chatted online with undercover agents and investigators pretending to be minors or sex buyers, according to the BCA. Suspects were then arrested at the arranged meeting place for an encounter, investigators said.

"We are committed to helping Minnesota’s trafficking victims escape the reprehensible actions of those who would buy or sell them for sex," BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said in a news release.

"Our predatory crimes agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and advocates to end this terrible crime in Minnesota."

The suspects — identified here — were booked into Ramsey County Jail. Police said that of the suspects:

• Ten men were booked on probable cause felony solicitation of a minor under 18 years of age for prostitution
• One man was booked on probable cause felony promotion of prostitution

Additionally, four women were recovered from trafficking situations, the BCA said.