Algona woman charged with pandering, pimping

ALGONA — An Algona woman has been charged with pandering for prostitution and pimping following an investigation dating back to 2018.

Rachel Cantu, 37, was charged with the pair of Class D felonies on May 5 after Algona police say she solicited patrons over social media in addition to attempting to coerce someone to become a prostitute in November 2018.

Using photos of drug use on cell phones, police obtained a search warrant to her home. One photo preserved in court documents was what appeared to be a substantial amount of cocaine cut on a mirror to look like a marijuana leaf.

Facebook messages also saved as evidence show Cantu asking another girl how badly she would like to make money quickly.

The warrant application from officers said that minors have been known to go to Cantu’s house to smoke marijuana.

The next scheduled court date for the charges against Cantu was not immediately available.

Police Log

FORT DODGE

Friday

A hit and run was reported in the 1700 block of Fourth Avenue South.

A burglary in progress was reported in the 100 block of North 18th Street.

Criminal mischief was reported in the 200 block of Avenue M West.

Criminal mischief was reported in the 1300 block of Eighth Avenue South.

One domestic call was reported.

Saturday

Two domestic calls were reported.

A hit and run was reported in the 900 block of South 17thStreet.

A burglary was reported in the 2700 block of 10th Avenue North.

Trespassing was reported in the 200 block of Avenue O.

Theft was reported in the 100 block of North Eighth Street.

Criminal mischief was reported in the 1300 block of Eighth Avenue South.

A hit and run was reported in the 3000 block of First Avenue South.

An intoxicated pedestrian was reported in the 2300 block of North 15th Street.

A burglary in progress was reported in the 400 block of South 10th Street.

A suspicious vehicle was reported in the 300 block of O Street.

A suspicious vehicle was reported in the 2200 block of South 11th Street.

Sunday

Six domestic calls were reported.

Trespassing was reported in the 10 block of North 25th Street.

An intoxicated driver was reported in the 1600 block of South Triton Drive.

A burglary was reported in the 100 block of North 10th Street.

Shots fired were reported in the 900 block of Central Avenue.

A fire was reported in the 1400 block of Fifth Avenue North.

A fire was reported at the intersection of Fourth Avenue Northwest and First Street Northwest.

Monday

Trespassing was reported in the 900 block of Third Avenue North.

An assault was reported in the 2000 block of Highway 169.

Theft was reported in the 700 block of South 22nd Street.

Trespassing was reported in the 1500 block of 12th Avenue Southwest.

Theft was reported in the 700 block of First Avenue South.

Criminal mischief was reported in the 400 block of North 27th Street.

Theft was reported in the 3300 block of Fifth Avenue South.

A burglary in progress was reported in the 1200 block of South 22nd Street.

A hit and run was reported in the 3000 block of First Avenue South.

Fireworks were reported in the 2100 block of Fourth Avenue North.

Tuesday

A burglary was reported in the 300 block of South Ninth Street.

Theft was reported in the 1600 block of Third Avenue South.

Fraud was reported in the 100 block of North 12th Street.

A shoplifter was reported in the 3000 block of Fifth Avenue South.

Three domestic calls were reported.

One sexual assault was reported.

Theft was reported in the 300 block of First Avenue South.