In a chilling revelation of human trafficking within our own borders, the Vacaville Police Department has reported the arrest of a local man on severe charges involving the exploitation and abuse of a minor. According to a social media post from the department, in November 2024, after responding to a local hospital's report of sexual assault on a juvenile, Vacaville officers unearthed a sinister trail of human trafficking and child exploitation.
Michael Keith Rubino, 37, from Vacaville, was arrested after allegations surfaced that when the teenage girl, homeless for about two weeks after running away from home, was approached by Rubino with offers of shelter and food. Once at his house, he began assaulting her and coerced her into sexual acts with himself and others, for which he received payment. Having denied the accusations, "evidence collected from the warrants corroborated the girl’s statements," including incriminating videos found on his electronic devices, per the Vacaville Police Department's post.
Aggressive investigation tactics by the VICE and Crime Impact Team (CIT) detectives led to several search warrants for Rubino's residence. Upon a forensic cellphone examination, videos of the criminal acts were discovered. As the Vacaville Police Department articulates, charges against Rubino include "261(a)(2) PC – Rape by Force/Fear, 261.5(b) PC – Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor, 236.1(c) PC – Human Trafficking of a Minor for Commercial Sex, and 311.1(a) PC – Possess, Prepare, Produce Child Pornography."
Rubino, who is facing federal charges adopted by the U.S. Attorney's Office, awaits sentencing and could receive a 15- to 30-year sentence. The department emphasizes the importance of awareness and provides resources for those affected by human trafficking. It urges anyone with information to contact the Solano County Human Trafficking Crisis Line at 530-796-1889 for support.
