Man in Custody on Suspicion of Sex Trafficking a 19-Year-Old Woman

OAKLAND— A man faces multiple felony charges for kidnapping and sex trafficking a 19-year-old woman. The suspect became the subject of an investigation that originated in the city of Alameda.

Marcel R. Walton, 22 of Hercules, was arrested in January. He is ineligible for release on bond, pending a plea hearing on February 10.

Walton’s charges include human trafficking for commercial sex, pimping, pandering by encouraging, and kidnapping.

The case involving him began when the Alameda Police Department received a suspicious circumstance call in November. A store employee reported that a woman locked herself inside a restroom and refused to come out.

Officers convinced the woman it was safe to come out, and immediately noticed bruising and swelling on her face and body. Upon further investigation, they discovered the woman had escaped from being held against her will.

Officers learned that she was forced into prostitution after meeting the suspect online. Walton initially led the woman to believe that he was interested in a consensual dating relationship.

Soon afterward, Walton allegedly became physically abusive and forced her to commit acts of prostitution. She was held against her will until she escaped, but she was kidnapped and forced back into prostitution. She eventually fled again
and contacted Alameda PD.

Walton was identified as the suspect and a warrant for his arrest was obtained. Walton was taken into custody by authorities in Oakland on January 21 on East 12 th Street in Oakland.