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Washington County sheriff presents Exceptional Service Award to Cottage Grove investigators
Summary
Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry presented an Exceptional Service Award at the March 18, 2026 Cottage Grove City Council meeting, recognizing Detective Jeffrey Dean and partners (Sergeant Erickson, Detective Reidinger) for investigative work on an East Metro human sex‑trafficking case that led to convictions and victim recovery.
Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry presented an Exceptional Service Award at the March 18 Cottage Grove City Council meeting to Detective Jeffrey Dean and acknowledged the efforts of Sergeant Erickson and Detective Reidinger for their roles in an East Metro human sex‑trafficking investigation.
Sheriff Starry summarized the investigation, saying deputies responded to a juvenile welfare concern that produced several indicators of human trafficking. He credited Sergeant Erickson and Detective Reidinger with developing rapport with victims, connecting them to services and working with County Attorney Haldiman to achieve successful prosecutions. "Their diligent work and close collaboration ... resulted in a successful prosecution of two of the offenders. Both of them were convicted," Starry said.
Mayor Bailey and other council members recognized the multi‑agency effort, praising the county sheriff’s office and local staff for victim‑centered policing. The council and audience applauded the award presentation.
Next steps: The council recorded the recognition on the meeting record; no formal action was required.
Quote: "I am Dan Starry, Washington County Sheriff," Starry said while presenting the award, adding that the work "exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement service."
