Dubuque County Treasurer among 11 men caught in prostitution sting operation

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) - As part of a two-day sting operation targeting human trafficking through prostitution, officials have arrested 11 men, including the Dubuque County Treasurer.

Dubuque’s County Treasurer Randy Wedewer, 60, was arrested during the Dubuque Police, Dubuque County Sheriff, and Iowa State Patrol joint operation.

Others arrested include Vincent J. Hanson Jr., 59, of rural Dubuque; Timothy J. McAndrews, 57, of rural Dubuque; Kevin M. Bockenstedt, 41, of Sherrill, Iowa; Joshua J. Vondran, 40, of Epworth, Iowa; Ryan P. Besler, 21, of Farley, Iowa; Timothy Murphy, 55, of Peosta, Iowa; Jordan H. Watkins, 38, of Bellevue, Iowa; Timothy A. Griffin, 32, of Dickeyville, Wis.; Kevin Stanton, 63, of Cuba City, Wis.; and Craig A. Mason, 57, of Stoughton, Wis.

Court documents state that the operation consisted of undercover agents posting ads on social media sites offering sexual services for money and provided a location to the individuals that answered the ad.

Reports also indicate that at least one of the men were also charged with possession of drugs.

The criminal complaint for Wedewer said he paid $75 for a sex act after responding to the social media ad. He was then arrested after arriving at the hotel at 4:51 p.m.

Authorities noted that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges related to the sting are possible.

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