Sonoma Report
Two men were arrested during a human trafficking demand-reduction operation in Rohnert Park, according to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.
The operation took place Aug. 14 and involved the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, Santa Rosa Police Department and Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said it focused on people seeking to purchase commercial sex acts, with the stated goal of reducing demand associated with commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Sonoma County.
Mateo Elias Crawford and Jose Luis Vilchez-Arellano were arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. Both were booked on suspicion of violating California Penal Code section 647(b), solicitation of prostitution, the department said.
Rohnert Park officials said targeting buyers is intended to disrupt the market that allows traffickers and exploiters to profit from vulnerable people. The department thanked the Santa Rosa Police Department and Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and described the operation as part of ongoing regional cooperation against human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The department said people who are being exploited, or who may be victims of human trafficking, can contact local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Text support is also available by sending “BEFREE” to 233733.
All people arrested or accused of crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.