On January 20, 2018, detectives from the Fairfield Police Department’s Investigations Bureau partnered with the Vacaville and Benicia Police Departments to conduct a Human Trafficking Operation in the City of Fairfield. During this operation, detectives used internet websites and posed as customers to contact alleged prostitutes who appeared to look under the age of 18. After agreeing on a price for various sex acts, the suspected prostitutes went to the location where the operation was occurring. Once they arrived at the predetermined location, the women were taken into custody and efforts were made to determine if they were victims of human trafficking. In addition, there was a victim advocate from SafeQuest available to offer resources to any of the women contacted. One of the women arrived at the residence with a male counterpart. He was also taken into custody and an investigation was conducted to determine the relationship between the male and the prostitute.
At the conclusion of the operation, three women were booked into Solano County Jail for prostitution charges. One of these, a 28-year old Fairfield resident was also booked on narcotics charges. The male, Melvin Bellard, a 47-year old Palo Alto resident was booked on charges of Pandering and Forgery.
The Fairfield Police Department is committed to these types of operations to keep our community safe. Prostitution is often associated with many other crimes including drug use and sales, violence related crimes, robbery, and human trafficking. Photos of the above subjects are not available at this time.
