Twelve men seeking to exploit a minor were arrested in Eden Prairie after a sophisticated sting operation where undercover officers posed as a 17-year-old girl online, exposing the dark underbelly of child exploitation in Minnesota’s suburban communities.
Key Takeaways
- Twelve men aged 24-46 were arrested in Eden Prairie for attempting to solicit sexual acts from someone they believed was a 17-year-old minor
- The operation involved officers posing as a minor online, with suspects continuing pursuit despite being informed of the “minor’s” age
- Since 2016, Eden Prairie police have conducted 38 similar sting operations, resulting in 401 arrests and supporting 117 victims
- Ten of the 12 arrests have resulted in felony charges carrying potential 10-year prison sentences and $20,000 fines
- The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force, including seven police departments, focused on combating human trafficking in the I-494 corridor
Predators Caught in the Act
On June 23, Eden Prairie police, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, executed a targeted sting operation resulting in the arrest of twelve men who were attempting to solicit sexual acts from someone they believed was a 17-year-old girl. The suspects, ranging in age from 24 to 46, hailed from various locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area and Wisconsin. Each suspect knowingly pursued what they thought was a minor for commercial sex, even after being explicitly informed of the “minor’s” age, demonstrating a deliberate intent to exploit vulnerable youth.
When arrested at the designated meeting location in Eden Prairie, the suspects were found in possession of various incriminating items, including cash, cell phones, and in some cases, firearms and illegal drugs. As of Thursday, ten of the twelve arrests had resulted in felony charges of prostitution with a person believed to be between 16 and 17 years old, with the remaining two cases still under review by prosecutors. Under Minnesota law, this offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine—penalties that reflect the severity of these predatory crimes.
A dozen men were arrested for soliciting a minor in a human trafficking sting in Eden Prairie on Monday. https://t.co/dY0Zzixrj6
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) June 28, 2025
Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts
The operation was conducted by Eden Prairie police with substantial support from the 494 Corridor Group, a specialized multi-agency task force dedicated to combating human trafficking along the Interstate 494 corridor. This coordinated effort included participation from police departments in Bloomington, Edina, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Richfield, as well as the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. Such extensive collaboration demonstrates the commitment of local law enforcement to pooling resources and expertise to address the serious threat of child exploitation and human trafficking in our communities.
The sting methodology involved posting a “decoy” advertisement online, with an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old. This tactic has proven highly effective in identifying individuals actively seeking to exploit minors while ensuring no actual juveniles are put at risk during these operations. The success of this approach is evident in the impressive statistics achieved by Eden Prairie police since 2016: 38 sting operations resulting in 401 arrests and support provided to 117 victims of trafficking and exploitation—a testament to law enforcement’s dedication to protecting our most vulnerable citizens.
Addressing the Root of the Problem
This latest operation represents a critical component in the broader strategy to combat human trafficking, reducing the demand for commercial sex services. By targeting and prosecuting individuals seeking to exploit minors, law enforcement aims to create a deterrent effect while simultaneously identifying potential trafficking victims who need assistance. The successful execution of these operations sends a powerful message that those who prey on children will face serious consequences, regardless of their background or social standing.
President Trump’s administration has consistently prioritized the fight against human trafficking, with enhanced federal resources being directed toward local law enforcement efforts like those in Eden Prairie. This case demonstrates how effective these initiatives can be when federal, state, and local agencies work in concert to protect America’s children. As this case proceeds through the justice system, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing vigilance required to combat those who would exploit the innocent for their depraved purposes.
