Overview
- Alameda County prosecutors charged Benjamin Yarbrough, 48, with accepting a bribe consisting of $1,000 and free access to sex workers.
- Investigators say phones seized in the HestiaACU case revealed communications between Yarbrough and alleged brothel operator Yangiong Xiong.
- Surveillance images allegedly placed Yarbrough at a Hayward location at times matching the messages, including one stating, "I don’t bust, I protect and keep safe."
- Hayward Police Chief Bryan Matthews referred the matter to the district attorney due to a family relationship and recused himself from the probe; Yarbrough is on paid administrative leave.
- Yarbrough denies knowing Xiong, receiving money, or engaging in sex acts, while investigators report Xiong said she gave him $1,000 in a red envelope.