San Rafael authorities arrest five during human trafficking operation

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- Police and sheriff's officials worked together Wednesday night in San Rafael in a joint effort to curb prostitution in the city, police announced Friday.

During the operation, officers arrested five people on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute and cited two people for aiding prostitution activity, according to police.

George Mullis, 24, of Belvedere, Brad Maynard, 35, of Santa Cruz, Leonardo Moreno-Perez, 36, from San Rafael, Odwaldo Martinez-Hernandez, 45, of San Rafael and Cruz Ramirez, 21, of Petaluma were arrested on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute, police said.

Derrick Shields, 41, of Vallejo and Chantay Sunpter, 52, of Oakland were cited for aiding prostitution activity.

Additionally officers offered advocate services to three women who were suspected of being at a hotel for the purpose of prostitution, however each of the women declined, according to police.

The focus of the operation was to increase awareness about prostitution and to educate people who are involved in prostitution activity.