Calling it dating, Anton Lazzaro asks U.S. Supreme Court to review sex trafficking conviction

Former Minnesota Republican operative Anton Lazzaro appeals to the U. S. Supreme Court to review his sex trafficking conviction involving minors. He argues that his relationships with five 15- to 16-year-old girls were consensual and questions whether gifts, such as a $1,300 Prada purse, turn voluntary sexual acts into commercial transactions. Lazzaro was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison after a jury found him guilty, and he previously lost an appeal to overturn that conviction.

U. S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz emphasized Lazzaro's exploitation of emotionally vulnerable girls and their impaired judgment due to alcohol. Lazzaro contends he faced selective prosecution, claiming his case was uniquely pursued in federal court among many similar cases. His conviction has political implications, leading to the resignation of state GOP chair Jennifer Carnahan, who denied knowledge of Lazzaro's activities.

The case raises critical questions about consent laws and the definition of trafficking. Lazzaro's chances of the Supreme Court hearing his case are slim, as the court grants a small percentage of such petitions.