"Though about a week later, the SF Standard threw some cold water on that raid's results, pointing out that only three people were actually detained on drug charges. The majority of the 86 arrested were just given a misdemeanor charge of "loitering to commit a controlled substance offense," and sent on their way. (In fairness, a handful of others did have outstanding warrants.)"
"But the much-hyped bust did not produce any felony drug-dealing charges, as the SF Public Defender's Office announced Monday that Johnson was found not guilty, even on the one single charge. At trial, he testified about his struggles with homelessness and addiction and how he has never engaged in drug sales, the Public Defender's Office said in a press release. An expert on drug dependence also testified at trial that drug tolerances, much like alcohol tolerances, vary by person, and that the amount"
A late-night February 2025 SFPD raid at Jefferson Square Park led to 86 reported arrests and prominent publicity. Mayor Daniel Lurie and then-SFPD Chief Bill Scott publicly celebrated the operation. Subsequent reporting showed only three people were detained on drug charges and most arrestees received misdemeanor loitering-to-commit-controlled-substance charges or were released. The district attorney identified one felony suspect, Wyatt Johnson, charged with possession with intent to sell. Johnson was acquitted at trial after testifying about homelessness and addiction and after expert testimony that drug tolerances vary by person.
Read at sfist.com
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