Trial of Man Charged With Trafficking Women Starts Today

ST. CLOUD -- The trial of a St. Cloud man accused of soliciting prostitution gets underway today (Tuesday).

The trial of 40-year-old Israel Davis begins today with jury selection.

The jurors will consider eight felony counts against Davis involving prostitution. Davis is charged with three counts of soliciting women to practice prostitution, three counts of promoting prostitution and two counts of profiting from prostitution.

According to the criminal complaint, an undercover officer responded to an escort internet ad in July 2015 and set up a meeting for oral sex. Officers met the woman the following day and she agreed to provide details on Davis who the woman said got her started in the business.

Two other women also came forward to point the finger at Davis who is accused of having several women working for sex and providing him with the money.

Stearns County Criminal Division Assistant Chief Shan Wang says the trial is expected to last 3-4 days.