San Rafael Man Arrested In Prostitution Sting

SAN RAFAEL, CA – A San Rafael man was arrested Friday in his hometown as part of an undercover human trafficking operation, police said.

Friday afternoon police allegedly found an advertisement on an escort website that indicated youths might be involved.

Police allege they set up a "date" and an officer was given an address of an apartment near downtown San Rafael.

When officers arrived at the apartment, a 55-year-old woman allegedly answered the door.

Police allege she did not understand or read English, had no family in the U.S. and was not allowed to keep any money she earned from selling herself.

She was allegedly relocated each week.

Also at the home was 49-year-old Walter Horat. Police allege that Horat admitted to allowing the woman to sell herself at his apartment and that he helped her buy supplies for prostitution.

Officers allegedly found evidence that others worked as prostitutes at Horat's apartment but there was no indication any of them were youths.

The woman received help with shelter and other services from a community group.

Horat was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of operating a house of prostitution and aiding in prostitution.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at 415-485-3000.

Anyone who knows someone who is a victim of human trafficking or someone who might be is urged to call police.

By Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock