Multiple Sonoma County Agencies Team Up to Conduct Human Trafficking Operation

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Santa Rosa Police Department’s (SRPD) Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) Unit collaborated with multiple law enforcement agencies to conduct a coordinated human trafficking operation. The primary objective of the operation was to identify victims of human trafficking who were engaging in commercial sex acts and connect them with critical support services. Victim advocates from Verity were present to provide resources and assistance, with the goal of helping individuals transition out of potentially dangerous and exploitative situations. Verity is a Sonoma County nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking and sexual violence through prevention, education, survivor intervention services, and long-term healing support for individuals and the community. 

Commercial sex is considered human trafficking when money or goods are exchanged for sex under conditions of force, fraud, coercion, or involving minors, because the law recognizes that exploitation and abuse of vulnerability negate meaningful consent. 

During the operation, detectives contacted five adult female commercial sex providers. Each individual was offered support services and resources, and all were subsequently released from the scene. 

The Santa Rosa Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, Petaluma Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, and Verity for their valuable assistance and partnership in this operation. 

The Santa Rosa Police Department continues to work closely with the Sonoma County Human Trafficking Task Force to combat human trafficking. The mission of the Task Force is to ensure that all child and adult victims of human trafficking in Sonoma County are provided with comprehensive resources and support, while those responsible for trafficking and exploitation are identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact your local law enforcement agency, Verity at (707) 545-7273, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888. 

Media inquiries may be directed to Sergeant Rick Boehm at rboehm@srcity.org.