BCA: 19 Arrested, 11 Charged In Sex Trafficking Sting
Authorities arrested 19 people in an undercover sex trafficking sting this week.
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Authorities arrested 19 people in an undercover sex trafficking sting this week.
A man is facing charges for his alleged role in a prostitution operation that involved at least 35 women, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.
A Minneapolis man accused of sex trafficking and producing child pornography of minors has been sentenced to 36 years in prison.
Advocates for victims of sex trafficking and members of law enforcement are working hard to prevent a spike in the illegal practice.
The indictment, unsealed Thursday, builds upon a case announced in October in which 17 people were indicted for their roles in the operation.
Panyia Vang, now 24, moved to the Twin Cities with her family after she became pregnant with the man's child.
A major international human trafficking operation with ties to Minnesota has been disrupted.
A Wisconsin veterinarian received the first conviction and sentence in Minnesota history for labor trafficking Wednesday.
The fight to stop sex trafficking took a large step last week when the website Backpage.com suspended its adult services section.
Police in Albert Lea say three people are behind bars after they were arrested for soliciting prostitution.
An organization that fights to put an end to child prostitution and trafficking is getting help from taxi and ride share drivers.
An international sex trafficking organization responsible for transporting hundreds of women from Thailand for sex in U.S. cities has been dismantled.
About a dozen people were arrested in cities across the U.S. on Tuesday for running what authorities called a sophisticated sex trafficking operation.
A Wisconsin veterinarian is facing sex trafficking charges after a weeks-long investigation in Minnesota.
When the Ryder Cup comes to Chaska fans will be focused on the golf course but police will be patrolling for a crime playing out behind closed doors.
Police in Roseville say one of the men arrested Sunday morning for sex trafficking barricaded himself for a time in a hotel room.
Law enforcement officers across the state are now better trained to identify and combat sex traffickers.
The leader of a St. Paul sex trafficking operation received a record-breaking prison sentence on Friday.
A 41-year-old St. Cloud man was sentenced to 27 years in prison on Thursday for sex trafficking two women in Stearns County.
A Minnesota woman who spent four years in jail after she was accused of participating in a sex trafficking ring has filed a lawsuit against the city of St. Paul and a key police investigator.
Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to dismiss all the remaining charges in a sex trafficking case involving Somali gang members.
A St. Paul police sergeant's apparent lies in court have led to charges against 16 defendants being dropped. Sgt. Heather Weyker, who was put on leave last week, worked on a 2009 sex ring case targeting Somali-Americans from Minnesota.
A St. Paul man pleaded guilty Tuesday to almost a dozen charges connected to recruiting, prostituting, trafficking, beating and raping women. The Ramsey County Attorney's Office says 35-year-old Rashad Ramon Ivy was the mastermind behind a sex trafficking organization that victimized at least seven women in St. Paul in 2015.
A Minneapolis man accused of bringing women to North Dakota for prostitution has pleaded guilty to a federal sex trafficking charge.
A 26-year-old St. Paul man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 24 years in prison for recruiting and trafficking teenage girls in Minnesota. Dontre D'Sean McHenry pleaded guilty in the case back on Oct. 17, 2014, and was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court.
Officials in Ramsey County, Minnesota, said Monday they are launching an investigation into the arrest of a Hmong American man as possible kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment by federal agents.
A Burnsville, Minnesota, woman who was supposed to have an ovarian cyst removed but was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents days before her surgery is living in severe pain, according to her lawyer.
A plane belonging to the Minnesota State Patrol was damaged in a crash at the St. Paul Airport early Monday.
The cost of ground beef in the U.S. has soared in recent years and is forecast to jump even further in 2026. What gives?
The image was deleted from President Trump's Truth Social account, but the president said it depicted him as a "doctor, making people better."
Officials in Ramsey County, Minnesota, said Monday they are launching an investigation into the arrest of a Hmong American man as possible kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment by federal agents.
A Burnsville, Minnesota, woman who was supposed to have an ovarian cyst removed but was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents days before her surgery is living in severe pain, according to her lawyer.
A plane belonging to the Minnesota State Patrol was damaged in a crash at the St. Paul Airport early Monday.
Northbound Highway 280 between St. Paul and Highway 26 near Roseville closed Monday morning.
The St. Paul City Council has designated $5 million for a downtown vitality fund, which will support housing projects and economic development.
WCCO issued a NEXT Weather alert as there's an enhanced risk for severe storms in the Twin Cities Monday afternoon. There's a chance for large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for tornado warnings.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident happened just after 8 a.m. on Highway 40 at 60th Street Southwest, west of Willmar.
Abdirashid Ismail Said, the main suspect in what Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the "largest-ever Medicaid fraud prosecution," has disappeared, according to officials.
Saturday high temperatures are expected to hit the 50s.
A teenager involved in a crash involving a Minnesota State Patrol vehicle last April near Clear Lake sustained a spinal injury and a significant brain injury. Since then, he's had 30 surgeries.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Leaders on the board that oversees the Universities of Wisconsin say that the fired president of the system was slow to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence and feared upsetting policymakers, faculty and staff.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Officials at the Universities of Wisconsin have fired the system's president after he refused their offer to quietly resign and said they never gave a clear reason why he should.
Democratic-backed candidate Chris Taylor has won election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, growing its liberal majority.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota DFL lawmakers and community leaders held a hearing Monday regarding the economic impacts of Operation Metro Surge. A member of Northstar Policy Action called on the state to help small businesses that say they've lost clients and customers.
The image was deleted from President Trump's Truth Social account, but the president said it depicted him as a "doctor, making people better."
A federal judge in Miami handed President Trump a defeat in his defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over a story about a birthday book for Jeffrey Epstein.
Pope Leo has been critical of the war in Iran and other priorities of the Trump administration, but says his comments are "not meant as attacks on anyone."
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Your car isn't the only vehicle that needs gas. It's a huge budget item for Minnesota fire departments, police and mass transit.
Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez claimed she was "brutally assaulted by multiple people" for filming and reporting on Saturday's protest.
A Minneapolis gang member pleaded guilty to racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced Friday.
Police say they are working to determine if the man was struck by a vehicle or if a vehicle dragged him as it drove away.
Two Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, residents are accused of making false claims to receive over $860,000 in medical assistance payments, according to court records filed Thursday.
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Federal charges accuse a payroll manager of embezzling more than a million dollars from a Minnesota company "to fund her gambling and pull-tab addiction."
A Burnsville, Minnesota, woman who was supposed to have an ovarian cyst removed but was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents days before her surgery is living in severe pain, according to her lawyer.
Psychedelic mushrooms were widely known as a recreational and illegal drug in the 60s and 70s. Now, two bills at the Minnesota State Capitol would make it easier to access the fungi.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
The video shows the patient on a mental health hold striking hospital support staff. Then, the patient takes a swing with the bed rail at EMT Rob Madsen who was waiting to transfer a patient.
Twin Cities doctors are sending a serious warning to families after seeing a surge in injuries tied to e-bikes and scooters.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Minnesota's own Bob Dylan will return to the Twin Cities to play a show at the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater this summer.
Lady Gaga is still slated to perform in St. Paul later this week, despite canceling her Monday night show in Montreal.
A federal judge in New York has tossed out actor Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie "It Ends With Us," but left intact a claim for retaliation.
The Minnesota Timberwolves rested almost all their regulars for the playoffs during a 132-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, as franchise icon Kevin Garnett made a special appearance for fan appreciation night in the regular-season finale.
Tristan Gray hit a three-run home run, Kody Clemens added a solo blast and the Minnesota Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2.
Steven Stamkos scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 victory over Minnesota, locking the Wild into the third seed in the Western Conference for the playoffs.
Kyle Duncan and Kelvin Yeboah each scored a goal to help Minnesota United beat San Diego FC 2-1.
Abby Hustler, Taylor Heise and Britta Curl-Salemme scored third-period goals to help the Minnesota Frost beat the New York Sirens 4-1.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders. WCCO spoke with David Schultz, a congressional law professor at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, to get some clarity.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Minnesotans across central and southern Minnesota could see severe storms move through the area on Monday afternoon and evening, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO issued a NEXT Weather alert as there's an enhanced risk for severe storms in the Twin Cities Monday afternoon. There's a chance for large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for tornado warnings.
After a warm and humid morning, storms are expected to develop in Minnesota, bringing hail and strong winds.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be mostly cloudy, warm and a bit humid again with a high near 74.
Minnesotans across central and southern Minnesota could see severe storms move through the area on Monday afternoon and evening, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
A Minnesota State Patrol airplane crashed early Monday morning as it landed at the downtown St. Paul airport. No injuries were reported.
Minnesota DFL lawmakers and community leaders held a hearing Monday regarding the economic impacts of Operation Metro Surge. A member of Northstar Policy Action called on the state to help small businesses that say they've lost clients and customers.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota is demanding the release of a Burnsville woman currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody and says it's a matter of life and death. Beret Leone reports on Craig's call for federal officials to release Andrea Pedro-Francisco.
Here’s how the governor’s council helps provide information and craft policy for people with disabilities and their families.