MANKATO — A Wisconsin man was arrested Sunday in Mankato following an undercover investigation into online child solicitation.
Jamey Scott Ralph Strand, 44, of River Falls, was charged with one felony count of soliciting a child through electronic communication to engage in sexual conduct.
The charge, filed in Blue Earth County District Court, stems from an investigation by the Mankato Department of Public Safety in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl in online chat rooms, according to a city press release.
Strand engaged in multiple conversations with the undercover officer between Aug. 14 and Aug. 24. He reportedly arranged to meet while passing through Mankato, according to the criminal complaint.
Police located and stopped his vehicle, taking him into custody without incident. At this point, Strand admitted the purpose of meeting up would be to engage in sexual activity with the minor.