Human Trafficking Arrest: Missing Teen Found During North Bay Vehicle Stop

ROHNERT PARK-COTATI, CA — A routine traffic stop in Rohnert Park early Thursday uncovered a missing 14-year-old girl and led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man suspected of human trafficking.

The stop happened at about 1:45 a.m. Feb. 12 near Commerce Boulevard and State Farm Drive, according to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.

An officer pulled over a Chevrolet Malibu and found two people inside — an adult male driver and a female passenger who said she was 19 years old.

Officers discovered that the girl was 14 years old and had provided a false name and age. Authorities later confirmed she had been reported missing.

Detectives suspect the man had been trafficking the teen throughout the Bay Area before arriving in Rohnert Park.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of human trafficking a minor, pandering, and procuring a minor for prostitution.

The girl is in the care of local child protective services.

Anyone with information about the girl or the suspect should call Sgt. Quinn or Detective DeCarly at the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety at (707) 584-2612.

Anyone experiencing exploitation should contact local law enforcement, local child protective services, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888 or by texting “BEFREE” (233733). Services are confidential.