AUBURN — Auburn Police Detectives have arrested a man on charges of sex trafficking following an undercover operation involving an online advertisement promoting prostitution.
Detectives Tyler Breese and Matthew Alexandrovich initiated surveillance at a local hotel on Thursday, Sept. 12, after arranging a meeting with the individual behind the ad.
At around 6 p.m., a female arrived at the hotel in a vehicle driven by a male suspect.
Detectives intercepted the female as she exited the car and subsequent discussions revealed indications that she was a victim of trafficking by the driver.
The man, identified as 32-year-old Francisco Barros of Amherst, was approached inside the hotel after ensuring the victim’s safety.
Following an interview, Barros was arrested and charged with Trafficking of a Person for Sexual Servitude.
Sensitive details of the evidence have been withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation and the victim’s well-being.
Auburn Police have provided resources to the victim to assist in her recovery and efforts to reunite her with her family.
Barros was initially held at the Auburn Police Department on a $500,000 bond, which was later reduced to $25,000 during his arraignment at Worcester District Court.
Barros, who is on active probation for armed assault to murder among other offenses, had his probation revoked due to the new charges and remains in custody.
