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Columbia Heights Man Pleads Guilty To Prostituting Teen

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- A 34-year-old Columbia Heights man has pleaded guilty in Ramsey County District Court to the prostitution of a 17-year-old girl, the Ramsey County Attorney's Office announced.

According to the criminal complaint, Samuel Cozart prostituted the victim at a Days In Hotel in Roseville. Police were called to the hotel on Jan. 24, 2012 when the hotel's manager, who suspected a patron was prostituting an underage girl, called police.

"This case reinforces our determination to treat children who are being prostituted as victims, and aggressively prosecute those engaged in exploitation and sex trafficking," said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi.

After removing the victim and Cozart from the hotel, police confirmed the victim was prostituted in exchange for money and methamphetamine.

Cozart's sentencing has been set for June 6.

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