Five Arrested in Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Enforcement Operation
Photo credit: Stearns County
Published: February 23rd, 2026
STEARNS COUNTY MN: Five individuals were arrested following a two-day human trafficking enforcement operation conducted by the Central MN Human Trafficking Task Force.
Between Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, the task force, working in cooperation with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), carried out an enforcement detail in the Central Minnesota area targeting individuals seeking to purchase sex and solicit minors online.
Authorities say four individuals were arrested for gross misdemeanor offenses related to attempting to purchase sex. A fifth individual was arrested for felony-level solicitation of a person under the age of 18.
All five individuals are expected to be charged by complaint through the Stearns County Attorney’s Office and are awaiting court appearances.
Investigators also reported several active and ongoing electronic solicitation of a child investigations stemming from the operation. Officials say additional arrests are anticipated as those cases develop. Because the investigations remain ongoing, authorities declined to provide further details at this time.
The Central MN Human Trafficking Task Force is made up of officers from the St. Cloud Police Department, Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, and Sartell Police Department. All three agencies contributed additional personnel to assist with the enforcement effort.
Officials say operations like this are aimed at reducing demand, protecting vulnerable individuals, and identifying those who attempt to exploit minors.