Erick Sean Hartung of Thief River Falls has been charged with felony electronic solicitation of a minor.
What court documents allege
According to court documents, an investigator posed as a 15-year-old girl online.
The investigator used phone apps during the operation, the documents say.
Hartung allegedly started talking with the account and sent sexual messages.
Authorities say the messages were meant to lead to a meet-up.
Arrest in Thief River Falls
Investigators say Hartung agreed to meet the teen in Thief River Falls.
He was arrested when he arrived at the planned meeting location, according to the complaint.
“I was literally going to report the person because they were going to get people in trouble.”
Hartung was booked and later charged in the case.
Charging documents are allegations and must be proven in court.
Law and public records
Minnesota law covers electronic solicitation of children under state statute.
Readers can review the statute at the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes website.
Minnesota Statute 609.352 (Revisor of Statutes)
Public court entries may appear on Minnesota Court Records Online.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) case search
Online safety resources
If you suspect online enticement of a child, you can report tips to NCMEC.
Families can also find safety tools through NetSmartz.
NetSmartz online safety resources
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.