San Francisco, CA –San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Fernando Aguilar (31), of Oakland, after a trial by jury for drug dealing in the Tenderloin. Mr. Aguilar was convicted of possession for sale fentanyl (H&S 11351), and methamphetamine (H&S 11378).
“I would like to thank the jury for their service,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “The jury’s verdict holds Mr. Aguilar accountable for peddling death on our streets. My office will continue to do everything we can, in partnership with all levels of government, to curb the unabashed drug dealing that has wreaked havoc in neighborhoods.”
According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, on July 31, 2023, Mr. Aguilar was arrested by San Francisco Police officers engaged in a spotting operation on the 600 block of Eddy Street. Police recovered 88.5g of fentanyl, 9.9g of methamphetamine, and $635 in U.S. currency from Mr. Aguilar.
The case against Mr. Aguilar was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Henry Gage III, with assistance from paralegal Rayna Bryan. Prosecutors were able to put on a strong case thanks to the dedication of officers and staff from the San Francisco Police Department’s Narcotics team members.
“San Franciscans are willing and able to hold fentanyl dealers accountable for their actions,” said Assistant District Attorney Henry Gage III. “Anyone who thinks they can come to this city and peddle poison should reconsider.”
In 2023, the District Attorney’s Office was presented with and filed the most felony narcotics cases since 2018 with 998 cases presented and 867 cases filed. In 2023 there were 323 convictions or guilty pleas to another felony charge in felony narcotic cases, including two convictions after trial by jury.
Through February 1, 2024, the District Attorney’s Office has been presented with 83 felony narcotics cases and filed 79 cases. Year to date there have been 50 felony narcotics convictions or guilty pleas to another felony charge in felony narcotics cases.
As of February 1, 2024, there are more felony narcotics sales cases in Bench Warrant Status (762) than pending before the court (564). Bench warrants are issued by the court in cases where defendants who are out of custody fail to appear in court for a mandated hearing. 578 individuals with open bench warrants for failure to appear for narcotics sales cases were released by the court. Of these individuals in bench warrant status, 145 of them have more than one open case. Six individuals have four open cases, and one individual has five open cases.
As of February 1, 2024, there are 448 individuals with pending cases for narcotics sales cases. Of these individuals, 93 of them have more than one open case. Three individuals have four open cases.
Since District Attorney Brooke Jenkins took office, the District Attorney’s Office has filed 426 motions to detain the most serious drug dealing suspects because of the extreme public safety risk they pose. Of the 426 detention motions filed, the court has granted 39.
Mr. Aguilar is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces more than four years in custody for his crimes. A sentencing date will be scheduled on March 4, 2024.
Court Number: 23011846
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