Minnesota BCA Rescues 3 Potential Human Trafficking Victims, Arrests Cannon Falls Man & 9 Others
“Helping three people exit the throes of a potential sex trafficking situation to begin the healing process and regain control of their lives is why we are passionate and committed to this work,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said.
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- Authorities rescued three potential human trafficking victims during a recent undercover operation in Minnesota.
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That’s according to a news release issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety on Wednesday night.
The apparent rescue was the result of an undercover operation that also led to nearly a dozen arrests. A Cannon Falls man was among the arrestees.
27-Year-Old Cannon Falls Man Among 10 Arrested in St. Paul Sex Trafficking Bust That Involved Rescue of Three Victims
Agents from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal (BCA) Apprehension’s Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force and members of the St. Paul Police Department conducted the operation in St. Paul on July 30 and 31.
“Helping three people exit the throes of a potential sex trafficking situation to begin the healing process and regain control of their lives is why we are passionate and committed to this work,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said.
Officials say the law officers were posing as minors and sex buyers when they were communicating with the suspects. Law enforcement then took the suspects into custody when they arrived at an agreed upon meeting location.
Three potential trafficking victims were rescued during the operation. The news release does not include any details about the victims.
10 people were arrested during the two-day operation. They have been identified as:
Ryan James Epps, 27, Cannon Falls
Tura Hassen, 34, Burnsville
Oscar Lema-Mejia, 24, Anoka
Julio Cesar Martin Garcia, 38, Saint Paul
MD AL Amin Piyal, 30, Saint Paul
Logofatu Florin, 30, Chicago, IL
Pedro Garcia, 45, Saint Paul
Allen Omare Machora Ikobe, 24, Brooklyn Park
Oscar Villalba Villalba, 31, Little Canada
Solomon Gebrezgabher 44 Saint Paul
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of being trafficked, call 911. To report a suspected trafficking situation, call the BCA at 877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us. Minnesota youth who are trafficked or engage in prostitution are viewed as victims and survivors, not criminals under the Safe Harbor Act. If you or someone you know is being trafficked, you may be eligible for supportive services, safe housing and more. Call the Day One Hotline at 866-223-1111 or visit dayoneservices.org for more information.
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