SAN RAFAEL — A man recently taken into custody at a downtown massage parlor faces multiple charges involving prostitution. The suspect lists landscaping as his primary occupation, but authorities say he was really running two brothels.
San Rafael PD launched an extensive investigation several weeks ago, after receiving information about prostitution activity at two private residences. The greater concern is alleged human trafficking, involving use of coercion to force
women into prostitution.
During the investigation authorities determined several women were working as prostitutes, at two residences located within the city.
Authorities say prostitutes were working inside a home two blocks away from the San Rafael High School. Prostitutes were also purportedly working at a home in a residential area, near freeway ramps to Highway 101.
The suspect is Mario R. Perez-Gomez, 47, who is a resident of San Rafael. Perez- Gomez was arrested last month at a commercial building located at 526 Third Street. One of the tenants at the building is Natara Traditional Thai Massage.
Perez-Gomez was booked into Marin County jail on April 13, where he remains in custody in lieu of $150,000 bond. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for him on June 9.
Perez-Gomez faces four separate charges –
Pimping [266H PC]
Pandering [266I (A)(1) PC]
Keeping a house of Ill Fame [315 PC]
Directing/supervising/recruiting or aiding a person in commission of
prostitution [653.23(A)(1) PC]
