Bloomington police say a pre-Valentine’s Day undercover operation ended with several men in handcuffs after officers posed as people offering sex online. The department dubbed the effort Operation "Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places" and says the arrests involve men suspected of soliciting prostitution. Chief Booker T. Hodges is set to hold a press conference Tuesday to lay out what investigators say happened and what charges the suspects may face.
What The Department Shared Publicly
The Bloomington Police Department posted a brief Facebook reel saying the undercover operation targeted people trying to pay for sex online and resulted in multiple arrests. The video features the operation’s full title, "Operation Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places," and warns that "you never know who is on the other side of the screen." The post also notes that Chief Hodges will address the case at a Tuesday press briefing, according to Bloomington Police Department.
Who Is Out Front On The Case
Bloomington Police Chief Booker T. Hodges leads the department and has been at the center of both community-policing programs and targeted enforcement efforts in recent years. The city’s police website points to several initiatives that started under his watch, including a mental-health rapid-response pilot. The social media post on this latest operation offered almost no tactical detail beyond confirming arrests and the upcoming press conference, according to City of Bloomington.
Past Stings And Local Backdrop
Bloomington officers have previously used online decoys and set up in-person meetups as part of undercover work focused on online solicitation. In March 2025, the department arrested former state Sen. Justin Eichorn after an online-decoy sting, a case that drew attention well beyond the city and underscored the risks around soliciting sex online. Local reporting lays out how that earlier operation unfolded and how Eichorn was charged, according to KAXE.
The Law On Solicitation And Trafficking
In Minnesota, solicitation and the promotion of prostitution can carry stiff penalties, which increase significantly if minors or trafficking are involved. State law sets out enhanced punishments for soliciting, inducing or promoting prostitution involving anyone under 18, and for related trafficking crimes. The relevant statutes and potential penalties are detailed in Minnesota Statutes.
What Happens Next
According to the department, Tuesday’s press conference will be the first on-the-record public briefing with specifics on who was arrested, what charges are on the table and whether any victims have been identified. Residents who may have information tied to these online ads or encounters are urged to call the Bloomington Police non-emergency line or share tips through the department’s online portal, according to City of Bloomington. This story will be updated after the chief’s briefing and once any public court filings are available.
