Stillwater, Minnesota – Six men were arrested in Stillwater after an undercover operation targeting the sexual exploitation of a minor, authorities said.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the arrests occurred between Jan. 28 and Jan. 30 during a coordinated operation involving the Stillwater Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Washington County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators said undercover agents posed online as a 16-year-old girl. Authorities allege multiple suspects arranged meetings and agreed to exchange money for sexual acts with the minor. When the suspects arrived at a predetermined location in Stillwater, they were taken into custody without incident.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office has charged Vishwateja Reddy Guntupally, Christopher James Kohn, Manuel Mateo Chunzo-Canar, Sanyi Mechalu Tefera, Terry Vallentine Reynolds, and Dakota Robert Ott. Each is charged with prostitution-related offenses involving a minor, including hiring or agreeing to hire someone believed to be under 18, a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.324(c)(3). All allegations remain unproven in court.
Authorities emphasized that minors involved in commercial sexual activity are legally considered victims, not offenders, under both Minnesota and federal law.
January is recognized nationally as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Law enforcement officials said the operation was part of a broader effort to disrupt exploitation networks and deter individuals seeking to harm minors.
“Protecting children and vulnerable populations remains a top priority,” Sheriff Dan Starry said in a statement, adding that collaborative investigations are critical to public safety. Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson also credited coordinated efforts between agencies for the arrests.
Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity related to human trafficking. Tips can be reported to local law enforcement or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 651-430-7825.
This case may be of particular relevance to students, young workers, and families using social platforms where online exploitation often begins.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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