San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Bruce Blanco (40), after a trial by jury for two separate armed robberies and the possession of firearms and ammunition in the Mission District of San Francisco. Mr. Blanco was convicted of one count of second-degree robbery (PC 211) with enhancements for the personal use of a firearm (PC 12022.5(a) and 12022.53(b)); one count of attempted robbery with enhancements for personal use of a firearm (PC 12022.5(a) and 12022.53(b)); two counts of possession of firearm by a felon (PC 29800(a)(1)); and three counts of possession of ammunition by a felon (PC 30305(a)(1)).

“I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “The jury’s verdict holds Mr. Blanco accountable and also helps to restore the neighborhood’s sense of safety, as armed robberies like this don’t only impact their victims but also entire communities where individuals feel like they may be victimized. My administration will continue to do everything we can to fight for victims and protect the safety of the public.”

According to evidence and other testimony presented at trial, Mr. Blanco was found by San Francisco Police Officers in possession of ammunition near 20th Street and South Van Ness in the Mission on January 20, 2022. Three months later, on March 12, 2022, Mr. Blanco was inside an apartment building near 19th Street and Mission Street when the victim returned home from work. Mr. Blanco asked the victim for a dollar while the victim was climbing the stairs to his apartment, and when the victim pulled out his wallet to give Mr. Blanco a dollar, Mr. Blanco pulled out a firearm and demanded the rest of the victim’s money, which he gave. Six days later Mr. Blanco entered a seafood restaurant near 19th Street and Mission Street after a deliveryman opened the door. Mr. Blanco pulled out a firearm and demanded that the chef open the register. When Mr. Blanco was unable to access the register, he left the restaurant. Later, Mr. Blanco was spotted outside the restaurant by sergeants from the San Francisco Police Department Robbery detail where he was detained and found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John Roman, with assistance from paralegal Melissa Cruz and IT support from Noaeh Pinaire. The case was successfully prosecuted based on the thorough investigation of the San Francisco Police Department’s Mission Station and the Robbery Detail.

“The jury was able to reach a just verdict in this case based on the courage of the victims and the professionalism of San Francisco Police Officers,” said Assistant District Attorney John Roman. “Violent crime has no place in our city and will not be tolerated.”

Mr. Blanco is currently in custody. Sentencing has not been scheduled yet. His next court date is November 20, 2024, for a bench trial on aggravating factors.

Court Number: 22000718, 22002651, 23000227