From California Post · · 1m 10s
California cop accused of brothel extortion may walk free
A Bay Area cop accused of extorting a brothel for sex could avoid prison under a mental health law.
In brief
A Bay Area cop accused of extorting a brothel for sex could avoid prison under a mental health law. Former Hayward police officer Benjamin Yarbrough may walk free after completing a mental health diversion program for alleged brothel extortion. Originally reported by California Post.
Alleged brothel extortion
Former Hayward police officer Benjamin Yarbrough, 48, was charged with a felony in March for allegedly accepting $1,000 and free sexual services in exchange for protecting an illegal brothel.
Mental health diversion program
Yarbrough is in a mental health diversion program where he could see his charges dismissed if he completes therapy.
Brothel operation details
Two suspects were arrested in a 2025 San Jose police investigation where 74 arrests and 88 survivors were rescued.
Brothel names
One brothel operated under the name Hestia ACU Wellness, while another was located in downtown Hayward under the name Flame ACU Wellness.
Text messages and claims
Text messages showed Yarbrough saying, 'I don’t bust, I protect and keep safe,' and surveillance images showed him visiting brothels.
“I don’t bust, I protect and keep safe”
Yarbrough's defense
Yarbrough denies wrongdoing and claims he did not know the brothel operator, Yanqiong Xiong.
What matters most
Former Hayward police officer Benjamin Yarbrough may walk free after completing a mental health diversion program for alleged brothel extortion.
