Man Caught in Rochester Sex Sting Sentenced to Probation

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man arrested in connection with an online child sex sting investigation has been sentenced to probation.

The criminal complaint against 36-year-old Joseph Lee Swain indicates the sex trafficking investigation was conducted by Rochester police in September 2024. The court document says online advertisements were created that featured a female offering sexual acts in exchange for money, and the ads were placed on websites known to be used by people seeking to purchase sex.

Answered Online Ad

Swain was accused of sending a message responding to the online ad. The criminal complaint says he initiated a sexual conversation with an undercover officer who identified himself as a 16-year-old girl.

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Arranged to Meet

The charges allege that the officer then arranged a meeting with Swain, who was arrested when he arrived at the location. The criminal complaint says he had $180 in cash in his possession when he was taken into custody.

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Swain was charged with a felony prostitution-related offense involving a person he reasonably believed was under the age of 18. He entered a guilty plea to the charge last November and was sentenced this week to five years on probation, along with a $1,000 fine.

Others Charged

Three other men were charged in connection with the same sting investigation. One of the other defendants, 39-year-old Christian Alexander of Rochester, was sentenced last fall to 45 days in jail and five years on probation.