An 85-year-old Hudson man is at the center of a disturbing "sex for rent" case after state investigators say he "bought" women and pressured them into sex in exchange for cheaper housing, according to a criminal complaint. Paul L. Anderson is facing seven felony counts in St. Croix County, including human-trafficking and drug-related charges. Authorities say he was released from the St. Croix County Jail on $100,000 bond, with an arraignment set for June 4.
Charges and arraignment
Prosecutors have charged Anderson with two counts of human trafficking for commercial sex, two counts of solicitation of prostitution, one count of delivering methamphetamine, one count of maintaining a drug-trafficking place and one count of keeping a place of prostitution, according to the Pioneer Press. Court records show he was freed on $100,000 bond, and his arraignment is scheduled for June 4 in St. Croix County Circuit Court. The case advanced after a preliminary hearing that cleared it to move toward trial.
Preliminary hearing and defense
At that preliminary hearing, Judge Timothy Heckmann found there was enough evidence for the case to proceed, according to reporting. In an emailed statement to the Pioneer Press, defense attorney Brian Karalus pushed back on the allegations, saying "the case raises serious questions about the integrity of the charging decision."
Allegations in the complaint
The criminal complaint lays out a grim picture. Two women told investigators that Anderson provided them with meth to sell in order to help cover rent. They said they were supposed to pay $600 a month, but often handed over only $200 to $400, with the rest allegedly made up through sexual favors. One woman told a county social worker she owed about $13,000. Authorities say they covertly recorded a March 2 conversation in which the women discussed being "bought" and living at Anderson's house. For broader context, similar human-trafficking and "sex for rent" patterns have surfaced in Wisconsin; reporting on 111 trafficking tips across the state in 2024 highlighted how such cases can crop up in homes, hotels and spas.
What happens next
For now, Anderson remains presumed innocent as prosecutors prepare for the June 4 arraignment and any follow-up hearings. The outcome will hinge on what comes out in future court filings and testimony if the case reaches trial. Local residents who want to keep tabs on the case can watch St. Croix County court dockets and ongoing coverage as the charges work their way through the system.
