Five arrested for soliciting minors for sex in Washington County
- An operation led to the arrest of five individuals attempting to solicit minors for sex in Washington County.
- The arrests were made after undercover agents posed as minors on social media platforms.
- Authorities emphasize their commitment to combat sex and human trafficking and protect vulnerable citizens.
In Washington County, a significant operation led to the arrest of five individuals charged with soliciting minors for sexual encounters. This operation was conducted by the East Metro Human Trafficking Task Force, along with local police departments, on March 20. The investigation involved undercover agents posing as minors on various social media platforms, which helped authorities identify the suspects. When the arrested individuals arrived at a prearranged meeting point for the encounters, law enforcement was ready and apprehended them on the spot. Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry emphasized their commitment to combatting sex and human trafficking and protecting vulnerable citizens. In a separate but related case, an 81-year-old former North Dakota lawmaker, Ray Holmberg, is set to be sentenced for his involvement in sex trafficking minors. Holmberg had traveled to Europe with the intention of paying for sex with minors, exploiting his position over decades. He has been held in custody awaiting sentencing, where he could face up to 30 years in prison, a substantial fine, and lifetime supervised release. Prosecutors have described Holmberg's actions as corruption, indicating that he used his influence as a state senator and guidance counselor to engage in predatory behavior towards vulnerable youth. The culmination of these two cases reflects serious ongoing issues within the community regarding the exploitation and trafficking of minors. The Washington County authorities are taking a strong stance against such criminal acts, underscoring the importance of public safety and protection of youth. They encourage the community to report any suspected trafficking situations to local authorities. Both incidents highlight the broader societal problem of sexual exploitation, raising awareness about the need for stringent measures to address and prevent such acts. Law enforcement agencies are working collaboratively to combat these crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of minors in their communities.