Minneapolis GOP campaign manager, PAC founder allegedly sex trafficked minors

Federal authorities on Thursday arrested a Minneapolis-based GOP strategist and PAC founder on allegations of sex trafficking minors, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported.

The FBI arrested Anton “Tony” Lazzaro on Thursday on numerous charges, including conspiring with others to recruit minors to engage in sexual acts. 

According to the indictment, Authorities seized Lazzaro’s possessions including his 2010 Ferrari, property at a downtown hotel, $371,240  in cash, and multiple electronic devices, according to the Star-Tribune. 

Federal authorities said they could not estimate the ages or genders of the victims in the case, sharing that more victims could be identified as the investigation continues. 

Lazzaro, 30, has emerged as a prominent figure in the Republican party in the past few years, serving as a campaign manager for GOP candidate Lacy Johnson and the founder of the Big Tent Republicans PAC, the Star-Tribune reported. 

Lazzaro is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors, five counts of sex trafficking of minors, one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and three counts of obstruction of justice.

Lazzaro made his initial court appearance Thursday and remains jailed until his detention hearing Monday, the Star-Tribune noted.