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Brown County Browser: The fight against sex trafficking

Since 2015, you may have noticed an increase in law enforcement activity as it pertains to prostitution stings in Brown and surrounding counties. In 2015, Brown, Nicollet and Blue Earth County received a grant from the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFMN) to conduct these sting operations. The three counties received another grant from the Foundation for 2016-2017 as well as an additional grant from the Minnesota Department of Justice.

Brown County has charged more than 18 defendants from these stings. These charges include just the Gross Misdemeanor and Felony charges as the City of New Ulm is responsible for prosecuting the Misdemeanors. Ten of the Defendants were charged with felonies for soliciting sex from a minor. During these sting operations, law enforcement posted an ad online soliciting sex in exchange for money or drugs. Law enforcement posed as a prostitute and communicated with suspects who responded to the ad via text, email or phone during which time the suspects were told that the girl was 17 years old or younger. The suspects who arrived at the agreed location were arrested. Many of the suspects arrived with cash they intended to use in exchange for sex.

Of the ten Defendants charged with soliciting sex with a minor, two have been convicted of a felony, one defendant is scheduled for sentencing, and seven are still active. As a result of the arrests and convictions, Brown County has received or will receive $1,727 cash from forfeitures that the suspects brought with them to pay for sex. Law enforcement has also confiscated drugs, drug paraphernalia, and firearms from suspects. There are also four vehicles used in the commission of these crimes which are pending forfeiture action.

In addition to the forfeiture of these items, Minnesota statute requires the imposition of special penalty assessments for defendants convicted of prostitution, in addition to the criminal fines. Much of the proceeds from these assessments stay in our community for use in training and education activities relating to combating sexual exploitation of youth.

Sex trafficking is a significant problem in Minnesota. According to WFMN, on any given weekend night in Minnesota, 45 girls under the age of 18 are sold for sex through the internet classified websites. Many of the cases of child sex trafficking start as juvenile runaways.

Brown County is committed to keeping our children safe. Part of that commitment involves arresting and convicting the people that provide the demand for prostitution, both adult and with minors. Another way is by educating not just law enforcement but the general public as to the problem. Brown, Nicollet, and Blue Earth Counties used grants to conduct over 30 presentations to law enforcement, human services, victim advocates, and even at schools. More work needs to be done as is evidenced by the over 45 potential suspects who responded to law enforcements most recent sting.

If you know or suspect someone who may be engaged in sex trafficking, please contact your local law enforcement.

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