Police & Fire

Fridley Police Nab 19 Men, 4 Women in Prostitution Sting

The undercover operation took place at the LivInn Hotel with the cooperation of hotel management.

By Chris Steller
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February 20, 2013

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The Fridley Police Department netted 23 arrests Monday and Tuesday in a prostitution sting at the LivInn Suites hotel, according to Lt. Mike Monsrud.

All but one of those arrested face misdemeanors, including 19 men cited for soliciting, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported (one of the four women arrested has a previous prostitution arrest and faces a gross misdemeanor).

SEE: Hill Murray high school football coach Mark Mauer was among those arrested Tuesday.

Monsrud said by phone and email Wednesday that the "undercover prostitution detail ... was done in cooperation with the Liv-Inn Suites management who were very accommodating during the planning and execution of this detail."

All suspects were booked at the Anoka County jail and released, Monsrud said.

A similar sting last summer resulted in 24 arrests, the Sun Focus newspaper reported.

"Fridley Police conduct undercover prostitution details at various times and at various locations in our city throughout the year," Monsrud said. "Prostitution brings with it additional problems that we do not tolerate in our community. Fridley Police are committed to keeping a safe community for all our residents and visitors."

Related Topics: Fridley Police Department, LivInn Suites, Prostitution, and Sting

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Billy Bloomers

12:00 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013

Guys, how can you be so stupid. There is no reason to get caught in a prostitution sting if you take a few steps. First, if they only offer incall do not meet with them. As you can see from the article they have to get you into the room and video tape you. Second, google the phone number. If all the listings for that phone number are recent that is a red flag. Do not meet with them. Third, do a tineye.com reverse image search on the photos used in the ad. Within seconds you will find out if the photos are real. Fourth, do not meet with them if they don't show their face in the photos. I have never seen a sting ad that shows the faces of the women. And last, if you are not sure if it is a sting or not just park about a quarter mile away from the motel, apartment, or house and watch for a couple hours. If it is a sting you will see guys being taken away by the cop cars. You will never see a cop care in the area until they have made some arrests. They then radio someone to take them to the police station. If you take these simple steps you will never get caught in a sting.