Minneapolis Man Charged In Underage Sex Sting In Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Twin Cities man has been charged in connection with an underage sex solicitation sting operation conducted by Rochester police.

That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Friday.

The charges say a detective was portraying a 14-year-old girl on apps and websites known to be “frequented by people who solicit children for sex.”

Minneapolis Man Charged in Rochester Underage Sex Solicitation Sting

49-year-old Joshua Ray Bischoff is charged with one count each of soliciting a child through electronic communication to engage in sexual conduct and engaging in electronic communication relating to or describing sexual conduct with a child.

Bischoff sent a message to the account on Wednesday morning, according to the court document.

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The complaint says Bischoff was informed the girl he thought he was messaging was 14.

He asked the fake teen for a photo and asked how old the oldest person the undercover officer had been before discussing sexual topics, the charges indicate.

The Minneapolis man requested additional photos of the fake teen then asked if there was a secluded place in Rochester where they could meet for sexual activities, the complaint says.

Arrest Made in Northeast Rochester Park

Bischoff arrived at the agreed meeting location, which was an undisclosed park in northeast Rochester, the charges state.

Officers then took Bischoff into custody and seized his phone after he told them he had taken a drive to Rochester and walk the park’s trails, the complaint says.

Bischoff was released without bail following his first court appearance on Friday. He is due back in court next month.