Maple Grove Man Arrested in Rochester Online Child Solicitation Sting

Oct 29

A Maple Grove man was arrested in Rochester after investigators say he used the internet to solicit a person he believed was a 14-year-old girl for sex.

Troy Alvin Wagner, 50, was charged Tuesday with a felony for solicitation of a child through electronic communication and a felony for engaging in electronic communication relating or describing sexual conduct with a child.

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According to the criminal complaint, the Rochester Police Department began a proactive online investigation in Aug. 2025 targeting adults attempting to solicit minors. Officers operated an undercover social media account that used photos of a teenage girl who appeared to be about 14 years old.

On Aug. 25, the undercover account received a message from a user later identified as Wagner. He introduced himself with “hello” and said he was 40 years old. When told the girl was 14, Wagner responded “ok” and continued the conversation.

Officers say Wagner messaged the account almost every day between late August and mid-October. Early exchanges were casual, but by Oct. 12 he began talking about meeting up. He allegedly asked questions about the girl’s body piercings and sexual experience, including whether she had done more than kissing.

In later messages, Wagner reportedly told the girl he “felt like he loves” her and asked if she could “date someone like him.” He continued to talk about meeting in person, asking if she would be comfortable “doing things” such as hugging and kissing.

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By Oct. 20, police say Wagner’s messages became explicitly sexual. He allegedly wrote about wanting to kiss and touch her and mentioned being in a relationship with her. When asked on Oct. 24 what he wanted to do when they met, Wagner reportedly said he wanted to use his fingers on her and perform oral sex.

Wagner and the undercover officer arranged to meet at a Rochester park on Oct. 26. When he arrived, officers arrested him and seized his Apple iPhone, which was still displaying the chat on the screen. Police also noted that Wagner’s vehicle contained pillows and blankets in the back.

After being read his Miranda rights, Wagner agreed to speak with investigators. He admitted he knew the girl said she was 14 and acknowledged that he talked about wanting to perform oral sex on the girl in the chat.

Wagner made an initial court appearance on Tuesday, where he was released without bail under conditions requiring him to remain law-abiding, submit to electronic monitoring and refrain from using or possessing pornographic materials.

If convicted, Wagner faces up to five years in prison on each charge.

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