First Guilty Pleas & Sentences Reached in Rochester Prostitution Sting

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office has obtained the first guilty pleas and sentences connected to a Rochester prostitution bust that occurred last year. 

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Six men were arrested and charged after answering an advertisement for prostitution services in Rochester then meeting at an agreed upon location last year. The sting was conducted by the Rochester Police Department in conjunction with the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office and Safe Harbor. 

68-year-old David Thorland of Thompson, IA admitted to a gross misdemeanor prostitution charge in a plea deal last week. He was sentenced to a year-long stayed jail sentence, one year of probation, ordered to pay a $1,590 fine and complete a court-approved class for men who solicit prostitution services.

46-year-old Russell Hodge of Hayfield was also sentenced last week for a gross misdemeanor prostitution charge. He was also handed a stayed jail sentence along with a year of probation and a $1,590 fine. Hodge has also been ordered to complete programming recommended by his probation officer. 

The cases against the other four men charged in the sting remain ongoing. 27-year-old Arnaldo Mercado-Perez of Rochester is set to make his first court appearance in the case on March 2, 43-year-old Thomas Klees of Rochester has a court hearing scheduled for March 9, 29-year-old Justin Hitt of Pine Island is due in court on March 23 and 54-year-old Darryl Franklin of Rochester has his next court appearance scheduled for March 2. 

Each of the four men are charged with a gross misdemeanor count of Prostitution - Patron - Hires, offers, or agrees to hire to engage in prostitution w/ 18 or older. The prostitution busts occurred at an undisclosed hotel in Rochester on November 8, 2022.