Dodge County is located in the south-east corner of Minnesota, and has a population of around 20,000. Prostitution and sex trafficking activity have been well-documented in the communities and unincorporated areas of the county. This activity and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates results in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. Among the more serious crimes associated with the local commercial sex market is sex trafficking.

Consumer level demand provides the revenue stream for all prostitution and sex trafficking, and has therefore been targeted by local law enforcement agencies as a strategy for prevention and response.  The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office reported that they had been conducting reverse stings- both street level and web-based –  between 2005 and 2012.  They conducted the operations about twice per year, and the names of those arrested were released to the media.  The Dodge County area also has several surveillance cameras in place, and active neighborhood watch programs that focus on prostitution – including trying to deter sex buyers from visiting particular neighborhoods.