Police: 23 arrested in sex trafficking operation in Hennepin County
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Around two dozen people were arrested last week in a sex trafficking operation in Hennepin County, local law enforcement leaders announced Monday.
Monday afternoon, Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said a total of 23 men were arrested on March 15 and 16 and a 24th man is under investigation.
According to Hodges, the men all responded to an advertisement that showed pictures of an undercover officer seeking prostitution services from a sex worker.
All the men arrested were booked at the Bloomington Police Department and were released pending charges.
Hodges was joined by members of the Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Richfield police departments, along with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office at the press conference and said the departments frequently work together in similar operations along the Interstate 494 corridor.
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges speaks during a press conference on March 20, 2023. (KSTP-TV)
The chief noted the highways and number of hotels in the area make it a potential hotspot for human trafficking and the agencies will continue working together to stop trafficking and hold anyone who engages in the act responsible.
Watch the full news conference in the video player below:
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