Man arrested in Novato in minor solicitation sting

Police arrested a Sonoma man in Novato after they said he went there expecting to meet a minor for sex.

The investigation began when Adolpho Porcayo Garcia, 58, responded to an online ad on a site “commonly used for prostitution,” unaware he was actually chatting with an undercover police officer, said San Rafael police Lt. Scott Eberle.

The site in question, which police did not specify, does not specifically deal in underage sex workers, but juveniles had previously posted ads on it, Eberle said.

Garcia “initiated the conversation indicating that he was interested in exchanging money for sex acts,” even when the undercover officers made it clear her cover identity was under 17, Eberle said.

Garcia went to Novato on Wednesday “for the specific purpose to engage in a sex act with a juvenile,” but instead was met by police officers, Eberle said.

He was arrested at 1:20 p.m. on Alameda del Prado and booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of arranging to meet a minor for sex. He was held on a $50,000 bail. He remained in custody Thursday afternoon.

Anyone who suspects acts of human trafficking can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733.