California Officer Accused of Brothel Bribery May Benefit from Mental Health Diversion Program
A former Hayward police officer facing felony charges for allegedly accepting bribes and sexual services from a brothel could see his case dismissed if he completes a mental health diversion program.
A former Hayward police officer, Benjamin Yarbrough, 48, is accused of accepting a $1,000 bribe and free sexual services in exchange for protecting an illegal brothel. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged Yarbrough with a felony in March.
The allegations stem from a 2025 San Jose Police Department investigation into prostitution, which led to the arrest of two suspects, Yanqiong Xiong, 40, and Guijun Zhao, 45, on charges of running brothels. This operation resulted in 74 arrests and the rescue of 88 survivors. The brothels operated under names such as Hestia ACU Wellness and Flame ACU Wellness in Hayward.
Text messages reportedly exchanged between Yarbrough and Xiong suggest a protective arrangement, with one message stating, "I don't bust, I protect and keep safe." Surveillance images also allegedly showed Yarbrough visiting the brothels. Yarbrough has denied the allegations and claimed he did not know Xiong.
Despite the felony charges, Yarbrough was placed in a mental health diversion program. Under California's Pretrial Mental Health Diversion law (Penal Code Section 1001.36), defendants diagnosed with a mental health disorder can have court proceedings paused for mental health treatment instead of facing jail time. If Yarbrough successfully completes his therapy and treatment program, his charges could be completely dismissed.