On or about August 1, 2025, the Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force conducted an undercover juvenile demand suppression operation in the City of St. Paul, Ramsey County, State of Minnesota. Law enforcement created an advertisement for commercial sex for one female and posted it on numerous websites commonly used for the purchase of commercial sex. During the operation, a male identified as SOLOMON GEBREZGABHER FITWI [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein, contacted the number on the ad and asked if the person was available, then said “I need Qv” which law enforcement recognized from training and experience to mean “quick visit”, or for receiving sexual services for a short period of time.
The Defendant was told it would cost “100 for qv” and he asked for the address. The Defendant was asked if he was looking for regular sex or something different and he replied, “I need sex”. The Defendant was asked about his age and race, and he responded, “England UK 43”. The law enforcement decoy responded, “Im 16 from USA”. The Defendant replied, “Okay baby send me your address and pictures”. The Defendant was asked if he would bring a condom and he replied, “please no condom baby”. The Defendant was provided the address of the pre-determined location, located in the City of St. Paul, Ramsey County, State of Minnesota.
At approximately 2:53 A.M., the Defendant arrived at the location, knocked on the door to the undercover officer’s room and was taken into custody by law enforcement. On his person, law enforcement located $300 in cash and a cell phone. Law enforcement sent a code via text message to the number of the person they were communicating with who was attempting to purchase sex and the code was observed on the Defendant’s phone. In a post-Miranda statement, the Defendant admitted to attempting to purchase sex and knew that it was illegal.
The Defendant denied seeing that the person was 16 years of age. The Defendant was adamant that he asked the person if they were part of law enforcement and when he was told they were not, he did not believe he could be held responsible.
