Former commerce commissioner charged in prostitution sting

Prostitution charges were leveled Monday against a now-fired Minnesota Department of Commerce deputy commissioner for attempting to hire an undercover officer for sex online.

Michael Shane Deal, 46, of Litchfield, Minn., was charged by the St. Paul city attorney's office with one count of gross misdemeanor engaging in prostitution after he was caught in a police sting on March 7.

Deal agreed to pay $100 for 30 minutes of sex and met with an undercover officer posing as a prostitute, according to the charge.

Soon after Deal's arrest, state Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman issued a statement saying that Deal's "appointment with the Commerce Department has ended, effective immediately." Rothman appointed Sarah Butler as acting deputy commissioner for financial institutions. Deal had held the role for more than three years.

According to the criminal complaint filed Monday in Ramsey County District Court: Police posted an ad online advertising sexual services for money. Several men responded, including Deal, who began a text message conversation with the undercover officer about 10 a.m.

Deal agreed to the officer's proposed fee and arranged to meet with her at a hotel after his work meetings. Police listened in and recorded the exchange of money and arrested Deal.

Four other men also were arrested as part of the operation.

CHAO XIONG