Child Sex Trafficking Sting Operation Leads to Arrest of Federal Immigration Agency Employee
The Bloomington Police Department has announced the arrest of 16 men, including a federal immigration agency employee, in a child sex trafficking sting operation. The operation, dubbed “Operation Creep,” aimed to combat the growing issue of child exploitation and human trafficking in the Twin Cities area.
Arrest and Charges
Alexander Steven Back, a 41-year-old non-sworn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employee from Robbinsdale, was among those arrested on November 13. According to a criminal complaint, Back allegedly attempted to meet up with who he thought was a 17-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. The complaint states that Back engaged in a text message exchange with the undercover officer, despite being informed of the minor’s age.
During the exchange, Back responded to concerns about his reaction to the minor’s age, saying “I’m not going to be mad at you” and “I’m chill.” When asked if he was with the police, Back denied it and asked for the minor’s address. In a post-Miranda statement, Back expressed confusion about why he didn’t “bail” after being informed of the minor’s age, stating “I don’t really know if there is anything to say. It’s all there in the texts.”
Operation Creep and Its Significance
The operation is similar to a previous sting conducted by Bloomington police in March, which led to the arrest of former state Sen. Justin Eichorn for allegedly attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution. Eichorn pleaded not guilty to federal charges in April, with his lawyer arguing that he’s being unfairly prosecuted due to his status as a former state senator.
These operations highlight the need for continued efforts to combat child sex trafficking and exploitation. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in seven runaways are likely victims of child sex trafficking. The Bloomington Police Department’s proactive approach to addressing this issue is a crucial step towards protecting vulnerable populations and holding perpetrators accountable.
For more information on this case and the ongoing efforts to combat child sex trafficking, visit Here
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