Former Cop Gets Mental Health Diversion | San Jose News

A former Hayward cop, Benjamin Yarbrough, may walk free from felony charges after a judge grants him entry into a mental health diversion program—despite DA objections—after he allegedly accepted a $1,000 bribe and sex from a brothel. The judge found him eligible, even as investigators uncovered texts showing he offered protection for cash and favors. Yarbrough agreed to therapy, group meetings, and voluntarily surrendered his badge. Meanwhile, another officer, Steven Romero, was denied the same program for allegedly harming his son. Yarbrough’s attorney says he’s truly committed to turning his life around. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/09/15/former-hayward-cop-accused-of-accepting-1000-bribe-and-sexual-services-admitted-into-mental-health-diversion/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7cf67984ebd989e2 Report issues to [email protected].