Marin Juvenile Trafficking Sting Nets 3 Arrests: Cops

NOVATO, CA — A Marin juvenile trafficking sting led to three felony arrests and one misdemeanor citation, authorities said.

The Novato and San Rafael police departments conducted the investigation jointly with assistance from the Northern California Regional Information Center.

The operation aimed to locate and assist victims and arrest those trying to pay juveniles for sex, police said.

A 44-year-old San Rafael man was arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor for a lewd purpose, a 31-year-old San Rafael man was arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor for a lewd purpose and a 29-year-old San Rafael man was arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor for a lewd act, police said

A 51-year-old Novato man was issued a misdemeanor citation for soliciting prostitution, police said.

“Prior to this operation, subject matter experts from the San Rafael Police Department provided human trafficking training to Novato Police Department Detectives,” the Novato Police Department said in a statement.

“Following training, Detectives from all three agencies participated in a cooperative Human Trafficking enforcement operation at a hotel in Novato. 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 National Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached at (888) 373-7888.