Big Lake is a city of approximately 12,000 residents, located 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul in Sherburne County, Minnesota. In November 2007, the Big Lake Police Department conducted a web-based reverse sting resulting in the arrest of one sex buyer. The BLPD released the man’s name and identifying information to the media. Prostitution is not considered a major local problem, although it has occurred in the city and generated complaints to police, investigations, and arrests.