SCSU Employee Arrested During Sting Operation

ST. CLOUD - A St. Cloud State University employee was arrested in a prostitution sting on Wednesday night.

Waite Park Police Chief Dave Bentrud says 53-year-old Kevin Barnes was arrested for allegedly attempting to solicit an underage prostitute. Barnes allegedly made the agreement via text to meet an underage person in an apartment in the 1400 block of 12th Avenue North.

Barnes was arrested, along with four others by a local task force during several stings on Wednesday. Bentrud says Barnes is the only one who could be facing felony charges for trying to solicit an underage prostitute.

The sting happened shortly after 8:45 p.m. Barnes was taken to Stearns County Jail.

A spokesperson for St. Cloud State, Adam Hammer, confirmed Barnes is employed in their billing and payments department. He says he's unable to comment at this time in regards to Barnes employment status with the University.