On June 3, 2026, Detectives of the Rochester Police Department were conducting proactive online investigations on sites and apps that are frequented by people who solicit children for sex. An undercover (“UC”) profile was posted that said the female was in Rochester, MN. There was also a profile picture that featured a young female. On June 3, 2026, at approximately 9:33 AM the UC profile received a message from an account with username “PYITE.” PYITE was listed as a 40+ year old male in Ramsey County.
Shortly after the chat began, the UC said that they were 14 years old and asked PYITE not to report them for being on the platform while underage. PYITE asked for a photo of the UC and then offered to drive to Rochester to meet. PYITE asked how old the oldest person the UC had “been with” and then began talking to the UC about masturbation and oral sex. PYITE asked for multiple photos of the UC during the chat and then asked if there was somewhere secluded that they could meet to “make out and trade oral.” During the chat, PYITE sent two selfie style photos that portrayed a white male 40-50 years old.
Through investigative techniques it was learned that the first photo that was sent was of a person living in Wright County who was 47 years old. The second photo was of JOSHUA RAY BISCHOFF [DOB REDACTED]. Detectives found that Bischoff had a 2025 Toyota Rav4 registered to him. PYITE agreed to meet the UC a little after 1:00 in NE, Rochester, MN, Olmsted County. Bischoff arrived at the pre-arranged location in Rochester. During conversations, the UC made mention of the UC's mother coming home to check on them during a lunch break and their meeting would have to be delayed.
At 1:30 PM, Bischoff sent a message "I'm here." Bischoff's Rav4 was observed by detectives conducting surveillance at the meeting location. Bischoff asked for the UC's location and a Google Maps screen capture was sent to him. Bischoff requested another photo of the UC at their current location, which was not provided. At that time, a marked squad proceeded to Bischoff's location and Bischoff backed out of the parking spot. A traffic stop was initiated and Bischoff initially failed to stop. Bischoff was placed under arrest and read the Miranda Advisory.
Bischoff stated that he was just out for a drive and decided to come to Rochester. When asked why he was at the specific park he said he was there to walk the trails. Bischoff's phone was seized to be searched for digital forensic evidence. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: YOU MUST APPEAR FOR EVERY COURT HEARING REGARDING THIS CASE. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR COURT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CHARGES BEING IMPOSED AND PUNISHED AS PROVIDED IN MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 609.49.
