Solicitation & Prostitution of a Minor

The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office arrested Josef Brace, resident of Rochester, Minnesota, on Wednesday, September 3^rd on charges of solicitation of a minor, prostitution of a minor, and fleeing law enforcement following a proactive undercover operation aimed at protecting children from exploitation.

Brace engaged in online communication, believing he was interacting with a 13-year-old female.

He offered to pay the minor for sexual acts and arranged to meet in the City of Wanamingo.

The individual he was communicating with was, in fact, an undercover investigator with the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies attempted to take Brace into custody at the arranged meeting location, he fled the scene, prompting a pursuit that was called off a short time later in the interest of public safety.

Brace was later apprehended by the Rochester Police Department. Brace later appeared in Goodhue County Court and a $500,000 bond was set.

This arrest is part of a broader, long-term initiative by the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office to combat the exploitation of children. Sheriff Marty Kelly emphasized that this operation reflects years of planning, training, and strategic collaboration.