Local activist seeks county support for human-trafficking pilot program, says misdemeanor penalties hinder enforcement

At the March 4, 2025 special meeting, public commenter Armando Rodriguez asked the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors to support a proposed pilot program and a state bill he plans to advocate in April to address human trafficking and prostitution activity in the county.

“I’m creating a pilot program, for, human trafficking and… we have a huge problem here in, San Joaquin County,” Rodriguez said, naming Stockton, Manteca and Lodi as places where he said the activity is increasing. He argued that current penalties for prostitution as a misdemeanor result in repeated reoffending because offenders are jailed and released without longer-term deterrents.

Rodriguez said he has support from local police departments and was seeking the county’s and the sheriff’s department’s backing for the proposal and the planned legislation. A county representative replied that county staff cannot engage in a back-and-forth during public comment but noted existing county support for related work: “We’ve been supporting the trafficking task force… so there’s tons of things so we can get online and discuss what the county is doing and our partners.” The representative said staff and partners could follow up after the meeting.

Rodriguez said he hoped to advocate for the bill in April; no county endorsement or formal commitment by the sheriff’s office was announced at the meeting. The board did not vote or take formal action during public comment.