Tween Rescued From Bay Area Human Trafficker: Police

VALLEJO, CA — Police in Vallejo rescued a 12-year-old girl from human trafficking this week, crediting the child with the courage to stop her alleged abuser.

It happened Wednesday afternoon when officers responded to the 400 block of Fairgrounds Drive where someone reported the girl was being forced into trafficking. Officers arrived on the scene and spotted the girl along with 19-year-old Fidel Rodriguez-Navarrete of Vallejo. Police arrested Rodriguez-Navarrete on suspicion of include human trafficking of a minor, sex with a minor, and assault with a deadly weapon.

"I applaud the juvenile survivor for having the courage and fortitude to call for help," said Vallejo Police Department Chief Shawny Williams. "All the credit for stopping this human trafficker belongs to her. Human trafficking is an evil and egregious assault against humanity and the human dignity of its victims. Our community has a moral duty to hold perpetrators of these heinous crimes accountable, defeat human trafficking through advocacy and help survivors rebuild their lives."

Williams said the case emphasizes the importance of victim advocacy and support. The girl required medical treatment and was taken to a county agency for further help.

“The fact that a child victim has to be subjected to sitting on a cold police bench following a traumatic incident is unacceptable," added Williams. "We must take action immediately to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and answer the call to create safe spaces where victims can receive the trauma-informed care and support they so desperately need.”

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact Detective Brian Murphy at (707) 648-5430. The police department offered additional resources for victims of human trafficking at:

• Solano Trauma Recovery Center, 24-Hour Hotline : 707-603-9065

• My Sister's House (Sacramento)
• National Human Trafficking Hotline