Detective Poses as 14-Year-Old Girl to Bust Man for Child Sex Soliciting: Charges

Authorities have charged a 58-year-old man with soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct over the Internet and text. The charges were filed after a Washington County detective began texting the man, which police identified as Charles Manley Anderson, while pretending to be a 14-year-old girl.

On Sept. 23, a man identified in the criminal complaint as Detective Folendorf of the Washington County Sheriff's Office posed as a 14-year-old girl posting an electronic message through the Whisper application, saying, "Skipping school. Let's play." An individual with the screen name "ultrablue" responded back, sent a photograph of his motorcycle, and then inquired if the female was sexually active, police say.

Folendorf, posing as the young female, stated "I'm 14, so I've done a little."

Thereafter, the two switched the mode of communication to texting, which continued until Sept. 30.

Based on the photograph of the motorcycle and cell phone number from which Folendorf was receiving text messages, it appeared the person with whom she was communicating was 57 year old Charles Manley Anderson (now 58), according to the criminal complaint.

During the course of the electronic communication, Anderson allegedly asked if the detective, posing as a 14-year-old girl, was a "virgin" and sent a text with lewd language.

Anderson also sent graphic photographs, according to the criminal complaint. Anderson and the disguised detective discussed whether they would have oral sex and intercourse when they meet. They agreed to meet at Sunfish Lake Park in Lake Elmo. Authorities say Anderson agreed to bring a bottle of Mike's Hard Lemonade.

On Oct. 30, authorities were able to take Anderson in custody after he was seen driving a white pickup truck entering the Lake Elmo park, according to authorities.

Anderson has multiple convictions for criminal sexual conduct, the criminal complaint states.

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