Michael Bruce Gillis, a resident of Eden Prairie, has been charged with coercion and enticement of a minor and production of child pornography. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced the charges following a federal criminal complaint.
The Mounds View Police Department received a report on March 2, 2025, about a missing 15-year-old male. During their search efforts, the boy's family found recent chats between him and someone identified as “Nick Miller.” In these communications, Minor Victim A stated he was young and in high school. “Nick Miller” replied that he liked younger guys and was okay with it. Their conversation included sexually explicit messages and graphic photos before arranging to meet. Due to the victim's inability to drive, “Nick Miller” ordered an Uber for him.
Law enforcement later conducted a welfare check at the address provided by “Nick Miller,” finding Minor Victim A nearby. The victim reported sexual assault by “Nick Miller” but managed to escape after the suspect fell asleep. Officers arrested Michael Bruce Gillis at this location and identified him as “Nick Miller.” Further records indicated two other pending cases involving child exploitation in Minnesota and Florida.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kirkpatrick emphasized the seriousness of such crimes: "As this case demonstrates, child predators are clear and present dangers to the children of Minnesota." She stressed using federal tools like significant mandatory minimum sentences to remove predators from society.
Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., from FBI Minneapolis, described the allegations as horrific due to their predatory nature causing harm and trauma to a child. He assured that law enforcement will use all available resources to bring perpetrators to justice.
Gillis faces charges in U.S. District Court for coercion and enticement of a minor and production of child pornography and is currently detained.
The investigation involved several agencies including the FBI, Eden Prairie Police Department, Mounds View Police Department, and Bloomington Police Department.
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges expressed satisfaction with federal cooperation: "I am glad we are working with our federal partners to get these child predators off the street."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing is prosecuting this case.
It should be noted that a complaint is merely an allegation; Gillis remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.