Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is charged in Pennington County District Court.
Erick Sean Hartung, 26, faces a felony count of electronic solicitation of a child.
He was arrested after an online sting, according to a criminal complaint.
What the complaint says
Investigators say a sheriff’s deputy posed as a 15-year-old girl online.
The deputy used the MeetMe and Kik apps, the complaint says.
Hartung allegedly contacted the profile on Nov. 30.
The conversation later moved to Kik on Dec. 29, according to the complaint.
Hartung allegedly discussed sexual conduct during the chats.
Investigators say he also tried to set up a meeting.
Planned meeting and traffic stop
On Monday, Jan. 12, Hartung allegedly asked the “girl” to meet that night.
He also asked if he should bring a condom, the complaint says.
They first agreed to meet at Lions Park in Thief River Falls.
The plan later shifted near the dam by Discovery Place on Nora Street.
An investigator went to the area and watched for the suspect vehicle.
The complaint says the vehicle left Lions Park and parked nearby.
Messages continued while officers watched the area, the complaint says.
After more messages, the vehicle returned toward the meeting spot.
A deputy stopped the vehicle near Pennington Avenue and Greenwood Street.
Hartung was arrested, according to the complaint.
He allegedly said he planned to report the “girl” as a scammer.
He also said he would not meet her for sex, the complaint says.
What happens next
Investigators later interviewed Hartung at the law enforcement center.
He allegedly admitted the chats turned sexual, the complaint says.
He also said he knew the “girl” was 15, according to investigators.
Hartung allegedly deleted the apps during the traffic stop.
Details on the charge can be found in Minnesota Statute 609.352.
Public court files can also be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
To report suspected child exploitation, visit the NCMEC CyberTipline.
Hartung is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.