Human Trafficking Arrest | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 3/7/2013

Deputies with the Ward County Sheriff`s Department arrested a man who is now facing human sex trafficking charges. Thomas Dietz, 34, of Bismarck made arrangements with an undercover deputy to have sex with a 14-year-old girl.

"In this particular investigation, Mr. Dietz, it wasn`t necessarily through a chat room that came into contact with him. He was the first one that made contact with us. So, as with all of our investigations, the people we end up arresting, the offenders, seek us out," said Sergeant Mark Holter, Ward County Sheriff`s Department.

This entire investigation was conducted through the Internet, where the offender initiated the setup.

"That`s how we know that this particular person is interested in being a predator against children," said Holter.

In this undercover case, Sergeant Holter was posing as an adult who was willing to arrange a sexual encounter with an under-aged girl.

"When someone`s traveling, especially from out of town, we want to meet somewhere where there is no large groups of people around, somewhere kind of secluded," said Holter.

Dietz made the drive to Minot where he met up with Sergeant Holter, and other law enforcement agencies. He then was arrested and taken to the Ward Country Jail

"When you hear about stuff like this, everybody`s concerned. Well, this type of thing isn`t new. It`s just now being uncovered because we`re starting to get the technology and the resources to do these types of investigations," said Holter.

Dietz was charged with a Double A felony for human sex trafficking. He was released from the Ward County Jail on bail.

On March 21, there will be an initial hearing to see if there is enough evidence to move forward with the case and go to trial.

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