U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis hosted 2019 NCAA Final Four, where Virginia’s D-1 men’s basketball team won the NCAA Championship after 68 competed in this year’s March Madness. However, the Twin Cities was also a hotbed for prostitution and other sexual activity throughout that weekend.
On Wednesday, April 10, more than 50 people were arrested in connection with a major undercover sex trafficking sting operation that included 28 victims with one of them being a child.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, several undercover operations were executed in various Minneapolis communities between Thursday, April 4, and Monday, April 8, since tens of thousands of travels were in town for the Final Four.
Undercover agents posed as minors or sex buyers to lure suspects into making arrangements to meet but only to be arrested as soon as they arrive. Around 47 people were charged with solicitation of prostitution under 16 years old or solicitation of a minor, while 11 people were arrested for promotion of prostitution and sex trafficking.
Law enforcement agencies claim whenever a major sporting event is held, sex trafficking sting operations are routinely performed. This operation involved 33 different city, state, and federal agencies, such as the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Buffalo Police Departments and the Hennepin, Anoka, and Ramsey County sheriff’s offices.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for solicitation of prostitution in Minneapolis, not only might they face state-level criminal charges, but also face charges in federal court due to the complexities of sex trafficking cases. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we are committed to obtaining the best possible outcome in your case, whether we get your charges dismissed or significantly reduced to avoid any jail or prison time.
For more information about our firm, contact us at (612) 979-1112 and schedule a free consultation today.