Middle school principal arrested in prostitution sting takes plea deal

The former principal of a middle school in Savage who was arrested in an underage prostitution sting intends to accept a plea deal, pending a judge’s approval.

Mohamed Ali Selim, 38, entered a petition to plead guilty during a court hearing Friday morning.

The deal still needs a judge’s approval but would result in Selim getting 16 more days in jail with work release, 30 days in a sentencing to service program and requires him to complete a psychosexual evaluation and follow any recommendations. Additionally, it would include a stay of imposition on up to three years of probation, which would allow his felony prostitution charge to be bumped down to a misdemeanor as long as he doesn’t violate any of the terms.

RELATED: Savage middle school principal arrested, charged with trying to sexually exploit minor

Selim was arrested and charged in May after he allegedly responded to an advertisement placed by law enforcement that offered prostitution services. A criminal complaint states he then texted with an undercover officer who posed as a 15-year-old girl and tried to set up a meeting to “spend some time together.”

At the time, he was the principal of Eagle Ridge Middle School in District 191. The school has since replaced him with former Burnsville High School Principal Dave Helke.

According to the complaint, a charge of Prostitution – Hiring an Individual age 13-16 carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, a fine worth $6,000-$20,000, or both.

Selim’s sentencing is tentatively set for Nov. 4.