An Elmore man who was the subject of a Homeland Security investigation is accused of
offering three female minors money for a sex act.
Mason Henry Mensing, 21, has been charged with felony solicitation of a child by electronic communication to engage in sexual conduct.
According to court documents, the Department of Homeland Security contacted Faribault County Deputy Mark Purvis on Aug. 16, 2022, about an ongoing investigation involving Mensing.
Federal investigators allege that Mensing contacted three Faribault County female juveniles during March 2022 through social media.
On Aug. 17, Purvis and Homeland Security agents interviewed a 14-year-old girl who told them that Mensing contacted her and two other friends in March.
The girl says she told Mensing she was in 8th grade and that he claimed to be 17 years old and an online high school student. He was 20 years old at the time.
Mensing reportedly offered each of the girls $50 if they would engage in a sexual act with him. They refused and stopped having any contact with him.
The court has set stipulations for Mensing’s release which include posting a $100,000 bail or bond without conditions or $50,000 with conditions.
He must not have contact with the alleged victim or persons under age 18; must remain in contact with his attorney; notify the court of change in address; make future court appearances; and do not leave the state without written permission.
Mensing’s first court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 29, in Faribault County District Court before Judge Michael Trushenski.