(KNOX) – The Polk County Sheriff’s along with the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension conducted a proactive, undercover chat operation in attempt to identify online sexual solicitors of children. The operation led to 45 individuals being investigated from around the United States and Canada. 3 local individuals were arrested and charged:
Telesforo Lacambra Ragrag (53) from Thief River Falls, MN was charged under 609.352.2a(1) – Solicit Child or Believe to be a Child Through Electronic Communication to Engage in Sexual Conduct and 609.252.2a(3) – Distribute via Electronic Communication Material that Relates/Describes Sexual Conduct to a Child.
Kaden James Marquart (21) from Grand Forks, ND was charged under 609.352.2a(1) – Solicit Child or Believe to be a Child Through Electronic Communication to Engage in Sexual Conduct.
Mark Richard Olson (45) from Twin Valley, MN was charged under 609.352.2a(1) – Solicit Child or Believe to be a Child Through Electronic Communication to Engage in Sexual Conduct.
The Crookston Police Department, MN Safe Harbor, and the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force assisted.
All investigations are active and ongoing as we are working with many jurisdictions to identify and charge all offenders. No further information is being released at this time.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office urges parents to be proactive in monitoring their children’s devices, social media apps, and internet use. Some of the applications with current high activity of individuals engaging in sexual contact with children are Snapchat, Kik, Whisper, Meet24, Meetme, Grindr and Bumble. These applications will vary in popularity and parents should always be aware of what their children’s internet activity is. Parents should be extra aware of dating applications on their children’s device as some of these applications may not appear to be for dating activities.
If you suspect your child is being solicited, contact your local law enforcement and make a report.
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