A law enforcement operation, dubbed “Naughty or Nice,” led by the Ray and Stanley police departments, has resulted in the arrest of 24 individuals on charges related to prostitution and online solicitation of minors.
The operation, which began on December 2 and concluded on February 1, targeted the online solicitation of minors for illegal sexual activities as well as identifying individuals involved in prostitution and human trafficking. Officers employed profiles on commonly used platforms to engage with suspects, setting up meetings where individuals agreed to pay for sex.
The Ray Police Department arrested 10 individuals in connection with the operation. Charges against these individuals included prostitution (Class B misdemeanor), promoting prostitution (Class A misdemeanor), soliciting prostitution (Class A misdemeanor), and luring minors by computer (Class C felony). Notably, one individual was charged with luring minors, a charge that highlights growing concerns about online child exploitation.
Ray Police Chief Greg Pinski emphasized the importance of protecting minors from online predators and trafficking activities. “We are fully committed to protecting minors and combating human trafficking,” Pinski said. “The results of Operation ‘Naughty or Nice’ are a direct reflection of our commitment to keeping the online environment safe for our children.”
In Stanley, the police arrested 14 individuals for prostitution-related offenses, with three of them also facing charges related to narcotics. The operation led to the seizure of 8.08 grams of methamphetamine during the meetings.
While most misdemeanor cases are handled in municipal courts, six individuals from Stanley have requested that their cases be transferred to North Central District Court for further proceedings. Chief Kevin Litten noted that additional individuals attempted to arrange illicit meetings, underscoring the ongoing nature of the problem.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into potential connections to larger criminal networks and human trafficking rings. Both Pinski and Litten have highlighted the importance of continued efforts to combat online solicitation and human trafficking, sending a strong message to those involved in such illegal activities.
