Polk County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — In a shocking development, Robert Lawrence Coulter, the Mayor of Solway, Minnesota, and a listed corrections agent with the Minnesota Department of Corrections, has been arrested and charged with felony prostitution involving a minor following an undercover operation in Polk County.
On May 28, 2025, the Crookston Police Department, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted a sting operation targeting individuals seeking to engage in sexual acts with underage persons. An undercover officer posed as a 16-year-old girl named “Amber” on a website commonly used for soliciting commercial sex.
Coulter, using the alias “Bob,” initiated contact with “Amber,” inquiring about her rates and expressing a desire to meet. Upon learning of her age, he initially hesitated but later re-engaged, agreeing to pay $75 for a half-hour session and discussing the possibility of unprotected sex for an additional $50. He was arrested upon arrival at the designated location in Crookston, where he was found with $120 in cash and a cell phone used for communications.
During a subsequent interview, Coulter admitted to arranging the meeting and bringing cash, claiming he intended only to talk to the girl about her activities. He also acknowledged previous engagements with sex workers and his role as a probation agent.
Coulter faces a felony charge under Minnesota Statute 609.324.1(c)(3), which pertains to hiring or agreeing to hire someone the actor reasonably believes to be under 18 but at least 16 for sexual acts. The maximum penalty for this offense is five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Did you know? Case Facts:
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Name: Robert Lawrence Coulter
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DOB: 04/14/1969
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Residence: Solway, MN
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Occupation: Mayor of Solway; Minnesota Department of Corrections agent
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Charge: Felony prostitution involving a person believed to be under 18 but at least 16
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Maximum Sentence: 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both
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Arrest Location: Crookston, Polk County, Minnesota
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.