DETROIT LAKES, BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) – Elias Bautista Martinez, 30, of Gackle, North Dakota, faces felony charges in Becker County District Court. Martinez is accused of attempting to hire an undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old prostitute.
Undercover Operation Details
On October 23, officers from the Becker County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) were conducting an undercover juvenile suppression operation in Detroit Lakes. During the operation, law enforcement posted an advertisement on a website known to be used for prostitution ads. An undercover officer posed as a juvenile prostitute in the ad.
Martinez responded to the ad and reached out to the undercover officer. They discussed the price and location for the transaction, and Martinez agreed to pay $100.
Agreement and Arrest
During their conversation, the officer informed Martinez that she was 16 years old. Martinez denied being a police officer when asked. Despite knowing the officer’s age, Martinez agreed to meet for the exchange.
He arrived at the agreed location in Detroit Lakes, where he was arrested.
Martinez now faces charges for attempting to hire a person under 18 for sex. His first court appearance is set for January 22 before District Judge Michelle W. Lawson.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Hmmmm, no Bueno muchacho.