StarTribune.com content is available via e-mail, mobile devices and as RSS feeds.
Former aide to GOP officials arrested in prostitution sting
Tim Droogsma, a former press secretary to a U.S. senator and a Minnesota governor, was arrested Tuesday in a midafternoon prostitution sting on St. Paul's East Side.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on newsvine
Share on DiggMore from Local + Metro
Tim Droogsma, a former press secretary to a U.S. senator and a Minnesota governor, was arrested Tuesday in a midafternoon prostitution sting on St. Paul's East Side.
He allegedly arranged a deal for sex from an undercover officer through Craig's List, police spokesman Tom Walsh said Wednesday.
Authorities cited Droogsma, 50, of Red Wing, on a misdemeanor charge of engaging in prostitution and jailed him for about 12 hours before releasing him on his own recognizance early Wednesday.
He denies the allegation.
Droogsma was a spokesman for Sen. Rudy Boschwitz in the late 1980s and Gov. Arne Carlson in the early 1990s. Recently, he publicly supported a candidate seeking to replace state Rep. Steve Sviggum. All three elected officials were Republicans.
Asked Wednesday about his arrest, Droogsma wrote in an e-mail: "Obviously, I'm deeply embarrassed by this allegation, which is not true and which is the result of a severe misunderstanding, and I look forward to making my case in court."
He declined to explain the misunderstanding.
Droogsma was one of about a half-dozen men arrested Tuesday afternoon for allegedly engaging in prostitution on the East Side.
Because police plan to continue the sting, Walsh declined to give specifics about Droogsma's arrest.
ANTHONY LONETREE
- Downpours, twister reports in metro area
- Shooting on I-94 leaves 2 seriously hurt
- Monsters who beat dad come straight out of today's culture
- Homeowner learns he's responsible (sorry)
- Soldier finally returns, bearing scars - and hope
- St. Paul police arrest 1 in shooting of 3 teens
- Stadium plan would reuse parts of Dome
- State pension head gets huge raise
- Higher pay considered for pension fund chief
- McCain coming to Hudson this week
- Drill more now, pay less at the pump? Not so fast
- Mostly quiet first term keeps Ellison from facing experienced challengers
- Group launches ad critical of Franken's union views
- McGovern campaigning again, now against hunger
- Is state's bridge spending lagging?
- Barkley touts his brief, intense track record
- Convicted in assault case, GOP Rep. Olson isn't running
 Open House ShowcaseThousands of homes open this weekend!View all open houses >> View all homes for sale >>  Find Your New Car Here!25,000+ new and used vehicles from more than 100 dealers & private sellers. Search now! |
|