Undercover Operation Nets 5 Sex Crime Suspects In Stillwater: Police

STILLWATER, MN — Five men are accused of trying to solicit minors for sex or for trafficking victims in Stillwater, authorities said Friday.

State and local law enforcement conducted a sting operation on July 27-28, during which suspects chatted over social media with undercover agents pretending to be minors or sex buyers, police said.

The suspects were arrested when they arrived at an arranged meeting place, according to authorities. Formal charges are expected to be filed in the coming days, police said.

According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension:

• 5 people were arrested in Stillwater and booked on probable cause felony solicitation of a minor
• 1 person was arrested in St. Paul and booked on probable cause promotion of prostitution and sex trafficking
• 4 victims were recovered from trafficking situations

"While this operation is over, our work goes on," said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans in a statement. "We will continue to pursue and arrest these criminals who exploit and victimize our children for sex."

Patch will provide updates on this story in the coming days.