Posted at: 07/30/2010 7:52 AM
By: Liz O'Connell

Print Story  Email to a Friend

Former Asst. Hennepin Co. Attorney Charged For Running Prostitution Ring

A former assistant Hennepin County attorney has been charged for allegedly running a prostitution operation at several Minneapolis hotels.

According to the complaint, 66-year-old John Paul St. Marie operated a website that connected men he called "nice guys," men that were "safe" and would pay well, with prostitution services at hotel rooms paid for by St. Marie.

Between August 2008 to May 2009, Minneapolis police investigators conducted surveillance at Minneapolis hotels including the Radisson University Hotel, Double Tree and the Minneapolis Hotel. Several patrons were arrested and stated that St. Marie had arranged for them to meet with prostitutes.

Hennepin County Human Resources Department says that St. Marie was employed with the county for 28 years.

St. Marie is charged with six felony counts of Promotion of Prostitution. He is scheduled to make a first appearance in court at 9 a.m. on August 11th. The case will proceed in Ramsey County District Court to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.