Beginning in September 2025, a undercover (“UC”) online chatting operation was conducted by officers and detectives of the Rochester Police Department. The UC account had photos consistent with a 14 year old female. On September 3, 2025, a person with the username “duckgun***” initiated conversation with the UC. Through subpoenas it was leaned what the email “duckgun***” used and that the IP address associated with the username belonged to BEN MICHAEL JOSEPH ROSS [DOB REDACTED] residing in Wyoming, MN. Ross messaged the UC for two days before the UC responded.
His second message to the UC was “little cutie.” When the UC responded with “pretty good HBU.” Ross asked what the UC was looking for. The UC responded that they were looking to make friends and have fun. He then asked the UC how old she was, which she responded with “14.” Ross said he did not mind. He then asked if the UC had been with a guy or had a boyfriend. The UC said they had a boyfriend and they kissed. Ross offered the UC to practice kissing on him. Ross eventually asked if the UC was growing pubic hair at her age.
They chatted for a few days before Ross told the UC that he had a hotel room and they could do anything. At the end of September, Ross sent a photo of himself to the UC. In early October, Ross asks the UC if they have ever masturbated and asked the UC to describe how the masturbate. He then goes on to ask the UC if she is on birth control and says that sex with her would be fun. Ross told the UC about a dream he had in which he was kissing the UC’s breasts and digitally penetrating her vagina. Ross had many sexually explicit conversations with the UC and suggested that they could date.
During these conversations he talks about having sex with the UC and says that he would teach her everything and says that she can call him “daddy.” He also tells the UC how to masturbate and how he wants to have sex with her. These conversations continued with Ross initiating them until January 5, 2026. On January 5, 2026, Ross was arrested. Ross admitted to having sexually explicit conversations with the UC. He also admitted to using the chatting platform and the username “birdgun***”. Ross had his phone on his person and that was taken.
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.
