The bribery case against a former Hayward police officer accused of taking $1,000 and free sexual services from an illegal brothel has been placed on hold after he was admitted to a mental health diversion programme.
Benjamin Yarbrough, 49, could have the felony charge dismissed in two years if he completes court-monitored treatment, follows his plan and avoids further arrests. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Elisa Della-Piana approved his admission on Tuesday, despite concerns from prosecutors about whether the programme was appropriate for a bribery case. ([bhnet.org](https://www.bhnet.org/82599/former-hayward-cop-accused-of-accepting-1000-bribe-and-sexual-services-admitted-into-mental-health-diversion-east-bay-times/))
Yarbrough must continue weekly therapy and attend at least two group meetings each week. The judge also asked him to provide regular updates on his progress and write reflections during the programme.
He has resigned from the Hayward Police Department and surrendered his California peace officer certification, a permanent step that prevents him from working as a police officer in the state again, according to a report carried by the East Bay Times. His lawyer, Julia Fox, said he had made significant efforts to address the issues that led to the case.
Allegations against former Hayward officer
Prosecutors accuse Yarbrough of using his position to protect a suspected brothel in downtown Hayward, warning its operator about police activity and targeting competing businesses.
The allegations emerged from a San Jose Police Department investigation into another suspected brothel. Investigators seized 11 mobile phones and later identified communications between Yarbrough and Yan Qiong Xiong, who has been charged in Santa Clara County with pimping.
Authorities say messages exchanged between March 12 and April 1, 2025 showed Yarbrough arranging sexual encounters and discussing a $1,000 payment. One message attributed to him read: “I don’t bust, I protect and keep safe.” Surveillance images allegedly placed him at the premises at times that matched the messages. ([ktvu.com](https://www.ktvu.com/news/hayward-cop-accused-trading-protection-1k-free-sex-pleads-not-guilty))
Investigators said Xiong told them she gave Yarbrough ten $100 bills in a red envelope and arranged access to a sex worker so he would not shut down the operation. Yarbrough has denied receiving money, knowing Xiong or having sex with workers at the brothel.
Yarbrough pleaded not guilty after being charged in March with felony bribery. He is married to the sister of Hayward Police Chief Bryan Matthews, who referred the criminal investigation to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office after learning of the allegations.
The Hayward Police Department said Yarbrough had been placed on paid administrative leave while the criminal and internal investigations were conducted. The department said any criminal conduct by an employee would not be tolerated, regardless of personal relationships. ([da.alamedacountyca.gov](https://da.alamedacountyca.gov/hayward-police-officer-charged-with-accepting-a-bribe/))
