A registered sex offender was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of sodomizing a 19-year-old homeless homosexual man, police said Wednesday.

Chad William Swanson, 44, of San Jose, was believed to have befriended and allowed the 19-year-old victim to stay at his home in the 400 block of Willis Avenue, police said.

In return for a place to stay, the victim agreed to help Swanson with his vending business at local flea markets, according to police.

The alleged assault occurred Oct. 22 at Swanson's home after the victim fell asleep, police said.

Swanson, a registered sex offender, was known to frequent the area near the Billy De Frank LGBT Community Center at 938 The Alameda and Crema Coffee at 950 The Alameda, both in San Jose, police said.

The suspect was also known to befriend young, gay males, according to police.