8-08-2025 6:48am

Three Victims Rescued, Ten Arrested in Statewide Human Trafficking Sting

Tom Akaolisa Editor

Three Victims Rescued, Ten Arrested in Statewide Human Trafficking Sting

BCA-led operation in St. Paul disrupts suspected trafficking ring, highlighting the ongoing fight against exploitation in Minnesota

By MinneapoliMedia Staff
August 8, 2025 | St. Paul, MN

In a sweeping undercover operation conducted over two days in late July, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and partner agencies rescued three women believed to be victims of sex trafficking and arrested ten individuals accused of attempting to exploit minors.

The coordinated sting, which took place on July 30 and 31 in St. Paul, was led by the Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force—a coalition that includes the BCA, St. Paul Police Department, and multiple regional partners. Investigators posed as underage victims and sex buyers through online platforms, engaging in text and phone conversations that ultimately led to in-person arrests.

Among those apprehended was Ryan James Epps, 27, of Cannon Falls, who was also booked for attempting to flee law enforcement during the arrest. All ten suspects were taken into custody at the Ramsey County Jail, with felony charges pending for solicitation of a minor for prostitution.

A Multi-Agency Commitment to Disruption and Rescue

During the operation, law enforcement agents identified and extracted three female victims from circumstances consistent with ongoing sexual exploitation. Victim advocates were immediately engaged to provide support, counseling, and access to recovery resources.

“Helping three people exit the throes of a potential sex trafficking situation to begin the healing process and regain control of their lives is why we are passionate and committed to this work,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “We will remain in lockstep with our law enforcement partners to rid our state of this reprehensible sex crime and support victim/ survivors.”

St. Paul Police Deputy Chief of Major Crimes Jeff Stiff praised the effectiveness of the operation and warned potential offenders:

“These 10 arrests are a true testament to the hard work of St. Paul police investigators, the Ramsey County Violent Crime Task Force, and the BCA Human Trafficking Task Force. Let it be a message that we will hold you accountable for the crimes you commit in St. Paul.”

Arrested Individuals:

According to the BCA, the individuals arrested during the sting include:

Tura Hassen, 34, Burnsville
Oscar Lema‑Mejia, 24, Anoka
Julio Cesar Martin Garcia, 38, St. Paul
MD AL Amin Piyal, 30, St. Paul
Logofatu Florin, 30, Chicago, IL
Pedro Garcia, 45, St. Paul
Allen Omare Machora Ikobe, 24, Brooklyn Park
Ryan James Epps, 27, Cannon Falls
Oscar Villalba Villalba, 31, Little Canada
Solomon Gebrezgabher, 44, St. Paul

All face pending felony charges related to solicitation of a minor, with formal charges expected in the coming days.

A Continuing Crisis in Minnesota

The sting operation underscores the persistent and insidious nature of sex trafficking in Minnesota—a state that has become increasingly proactive in its efforts to disrupt trafficking networks and offer victims a path toward healing.

The Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Justice, works year-round to investigate, prevent, and dismantle trafficking operations. It also prioritizes victim recovery by collaborating closely with social service agencies and community-based advocacy organizations.

This latest operation serves as both a warning to would-be traffickers and a signal of hope to those being exploited.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, help is available.

Call 911
Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
Call the BCA at 877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.