FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A Fargo man has been arrested for allegedly recruiting prostitutes through the Internet and acting as a sex trafficker in the area.

WDAY-TV reports that 40-year-old Chad Lindley is facing felony charges for human or sex trafficking and drug possession. Lindley is a former state champion auctioneer.

Fargo police say Lindley was targeting local women. They say they got a tip from an informant and tracked Lindley’s ads that recruited women though an Internet site.

Police Lt. Joel Vettel says some people look at prostitution as a victimless crime, but it’s not. He says authorities are worried because pimps target minors.

Human trafficking is a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

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