ABC 6 NEWS — Four people have been arrested in Rochester during what the Rochester Police Department is calling a “proactive undercover operation” aimed at people allegedly soliciting minors for sex.

RPD says they have arrested Christian Alexander, 37; Rojay Smith, 23; Joseph Swain, 34; and Benjamin Leslie, 40. Alexander, Smith and Swain face recommended charges of engaging in or hiring a minor to engage in prostitution, while Leslie faces charges of soliciting a minor to engage in sexual conduct.

Alexander and Swain, of Rochester, and Smith, a Zumbrota resident, were officially charged by the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office Monday, Sept. 16.

Police say the operation took place on Friday, September 13, when law enforcement officers posed as minors online to chat with the alleged suspects. RPD also say the arrests happened throughout the city of Rochester.

According to Alexander’s court documents, Rochester police created online advertisements for sexual services Sept. 12, and began chatting with prospective buyers Sept. 13.

Alexander allegedly agreed to pay the undercover officer posing as a juvenile prostitute $150 at a business in Rochester, and was placed under arrest upon arrival.

Alexander allegedly told police that when the undercover officer “said they were under 18, he felt bad for them and was just going to give them money.”

Smith’s charging documents allege that he also agreed to pay the “juvenile” $150, and said “he was on the site to meet girls and stuff.”

Swain’s charging documents claim that when the undercover officer told him their juvenile persona was 16, he said “that’s okay,” but later told police he believed the person he was chatting with was 22.

All three arrived with at least $150 in cash on their persons, according to court documents.

Rochester police partnered with the Pope County Sheriff’s Office in Leslie’s case. Leslie, of Spring Valley, has not been officially charged in Olmsted County, according to the attorney’s office.

This is a developing story, ABC 6 News will provide more information as it becomes available.