Authorities in Northern California have arrested a Santa Rosa man accused of pretending to be an adult film recruiter as part of a scheme that investigators say crossed into human trafficking and the solicitation of a minor.
According to KRON4, Michael Tarvid, 63, was taken into custody this week after an undercover operation revealed he was posing as a talent scout for an adult film company. Police say Tarvid used a fabricated business identity to contact teenagers online while presenting himself as someone with adult film industry influence.
Investigators allege Tarvid reached out using an email account tied to a fake company name and shared sexually explicit videos he claimed to have produced. Police say he described himself as working in “talent acquisition” for adult film projects and told recipients they could participate in what he described as auditions for future productions. Authorities maintain that these so-called auditions were a cover to film sexual activity on his personal phone.
The case escalated when detectives suspected minors could be among those being targeted. As part of their investigation, a detective began communicating with Tarvid while posing online as a 14-year-old girl. According to police, Tarvid believed the person on the other end of the messages was underage.
During those exchanges, Tarvid allegedly encouraged the supposed minor to create an “audition” video and suggested it could lead to paid encounters arranged through his claimed adult film connections. Police say he later arranged an in-person meeting.
On the day of the meeting, investigators say Tarvid traveled by taxi from his home to the downtown Santa Rosa SMART station, where the meeting was scheduled to take place. Detectives arrested him immediately upon arrival without incident.
Tarvid is charged with sending harmful matter to seduce a minor, communicating with a minor with the intent to commit a felony, arranging to meet with a minor with the intent to engage in sexual acts, and persuading a minor to engage in commercial sex acts.
Following the arrest, police executed a search warrant at Tarvid’s residence and seized his cellphone. Authorities say the device will be examined pursuant to an additional warrant as investigators continue to assess the scope of the alleged activity.
Santa Rosa police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents is encouraged to contact Detective Luigi Valencia at 707-543-4045 or via email at lvalencia@srcity.org.
If you suspect human trafficking or exploitation, contact local law enforcement immediately or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (TTY: 711). Tips can also be submitted anonymously at humantraffickinghotline.org.