Eagan Man Charged in Dakota County Undercover Sting Targeting Solicitation of Minors
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS MN: — An Eagan man is facing a felony charge in Dakota County after an undercover law enforcement sting targeting individuals soliciting minors for commercial sex led to his arrest at an Inver Grove Heights hotel.
Deanell Evon Dunkley was charged via criminal complaint with one felony count of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor believed to be 16 or 17 years old, under Minnesota Statute § 609.324.1(c)(3). If convicted, Dunkley faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, or both.
According to the complaint filed in Dakota County District Court:
On July 9, 2026, the Inver Grove Heights Police Department conducted an undercover operation at a local hotel. For approximately one week leading up to the operation, officers placed commercial sex advertisements featuring photos of a young female on a website known for soliciting paid sexual services.
At approximately 12:50 p.m., Dunkley made text contact with an undercover officer posing as the individual in the advertisement. During the exchange, Dunkley inquired about rates and agreed to pay $150 in cash for a half-hour encounter involving explicit sexual acts.
During the text conversation, Dunkley asked the undercover officer for their age. The officer responded, "im 18 next month babe." Although Dunkley replied, "Your too young," he proceeded to the designated hotel location and room provided by the officer.
Officers arrested Dunkley outside the hotel room. A search of his person yielded $154 in cash and a firearm. Following his arrest, Dunkley waived his rights and admitted in a Miranda-compliant statement that he had been texting the undercover officer and believed he was communicating with a female under the age of 18.
Criminal complaints contain allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.