Marin Sex-Traffic Bust Leads To Arrests Of Multiple Suspects

MARIN COUNTY, CA — A sex-trafficking, police operation at a motel in Novato last week led to arrests of mulitple individuals according to authorites.

Three agencies — the Novato and San Rafael police departments, along with the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center — ran the Sept. 14 operation with detectives trained in human trafficking, according to authorities.

"The objectives were to locate and assist victims of human trafficking, apprehend individuals attempting to pay juveniles for sexual acts and apprehend individuals that were pimping and/or pandering," the Novato Police Department said.

Details of those arrested, according to police, included:

• A San Rafael resident 44,who allegedly arrived at the hotel after agreeing to pay for sex with a juvenile, police said. He was booked into Marin County Jail
• A 51-year-old Novato man arrived at the hotel intending to pay for sexual acts with an adult, police said. When the male arrived at the hotel, he was questioned and issued a misdemeanor citation for soliciting prostitution.
• A 31-year-old San Rafael male, who made arrangements to exchange money for sex with a juvenile. "When he arrived at the hotel, he was placed under arrest and booked for felony soliciting a minor for a lewd purpose,"officials said.
• A 29-year-old San Rafael man, who allegedly agreed to pay for sex with a minor and arrived at the hotel, police said. He was arrested and booked into Marin County Jail for felony soliciting a minor for a lewd act.

Detectives also identified a potential minor posting sexual ads "promoting herself," police said.

Novato and San Rafael police, plus the NCRIC, noted resources are available for victims of human trafficking.

Anyone with information on the cases can call their local police departments or The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

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