Two Line 3 workers arrested in Itasca Co. human trafficking sting

Two Line 3 workers arrested in Itasca Co. human trafficking sting Photo: Enbridge

WDIO
Updated: February 24, 2021 08:47 PM
Created: February 24, 2021 04:08 PM

Two people who were arrested, and charged last week in connection with an Itasca County sex exploitation scheme were employed by a contractor working on Line 3, Enbridge confirms.

The Duluth News Tribune reports Michael Kelly West, 53, of Rolla, Missouri was charged with one count of carrying a pistol without a permit and one count of solicitation to engage in prostitution.

The News Tribune also reports Matthew Ty Hall, 33, of Mount Pleasant, Texas, was charged with one count of solicitation of a person believed to be a minor.

"Enbridge has zero tolerance for illegal and exploitive behavior," Enbridge spokesperson Juli Kellner sent in an emailed statement to WDIO News. "Such behaviors from anyone associated with this project will not be tolerated and are immediate grounds for dismissal. Both individuals were immediately terminated upon learning of their arrests." Kellner added.