On 10/16/2024, law enforcement personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies held an undercover detail in the City of Fridley, Anoka County, in an attempt to recover victims of human trafficking and identify traffickers. Undercover agents made contact with a suspected trafficking victim who agreed upon commercial sex acts for money. The victim agreed to an “outcall” where the victim was directed to the undercover address, and it was agreed she would meet for a half hour for $200. The victim came to the undercover address and agreed to speak to police.
The victim admitted to meeting at the location for commercial sex acts. She said she was brought to the location by a relative who gives her rides. She consented to a forensic extraction of her cell phone. James Edward Marsaw, [DOB redacted], hereinafter the Defendant, was identified as the person who drove the victim to the undercover address. Defendant was taken into custody on scene and without incident. Defendant consented to a forensic extraction of his cell phone. Defendant admitted to transporting the victim to outcall dates and would collect a small amount of money for driving her.
Review of victim and defendant’s cell phone messages are consistent with Defendant promoting prostitution.