San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Melany Avila Coello (20), Hilda Gamez Rivera (24), Wilmer Jonael Cruz Hernandez (18), and Franklin Hernandez (19) have been charged with multiple felonies in connection with narcotics trafficking in SOMA.

Mr. Hernandez has been charged with 15 felony counts of narcotics related possession for sale charges including one count of possession for sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine while armed with a firearm. Ms. Avila Coello and Ms. Gamez Rivera are each charged with four felony counts of narcotics related possession for sale charges of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Mr. Cruz Hernandez is charged with five felony counts of narcotics related possession for sale charges – including one count of possession for sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine while armed with a firearm. The possession for sale of fentanyl while armed count that Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Cruz Hernandez face is pursuant to changes to existing law enacted with the passage of Prop 36.

The criminal complaint also includes numerous allegations including that these individuals possessed substances containing fentanyl exceeding 100 grams by weight and one kilogram by weight. The weight enhancements alleged in this case are pursuant to new laws that were enacted with the passage of Prop 36.

The magistrate on duty released each individual charged before their first court appearance, less than 48 hours after arrest. The District Attorney’s Office moved to have all four individuals detained pending trial at arraignment because of the public safety risk they pose.

Ms. Avila Coello and Ms. Gamez Rivera were arraigned on September 8, 2025, and each pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied the allegations. They remain out of custody and their next court date is October 15, 2025, for a prehearing conference.

Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Cruz Hernandez did not appear for arraignment, and bench warrants have been issued for their arrest.

According to court documents, Mr. Hernandez and his associates have been the subject of an ongoing police investigation for the last several months. Allegedly, undercover San Francisco Police officers purchased fentanyl and methamphetamine on three occasions from Mr. Hernandez. On September 2, 2025, San Francisco Police saw Ms. Gamez Rivera, Ms. Avila Coello and Mr. Hernandez exit a vehicle parked on Folsom Street between Fourth Street and Fifth Street and executed a search of Mr. Hernandez and the vehicle. Police found 110.2 grams of fentanyl, 33.2 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, plastic bags and a cell phone on Mr. Hernandez. In a search of Ms. Gamez Rivera police located nine grams of fentanyl in her possession. In a search of Ms. Avila-Coello police located numerous empty baggies and unknown pills. In the vehicle officers located an additional 5.2 grams of fentanyl.

Officers also searched an Oakland residence associated with Mr. Hernandez and encountered Mr. Cruz Hernandez. In the residence police found in a bedroom 103.4 grams of fentanyl, over $3,000.00 cash, scales, a .357 firearm, ammunition and indicia for both Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Cruz-Hernandez. In another bedroom officers found 501.6 grams of fentanyl, 63.6 grams of fentanyl, $898.00 cash, two scales and two bottles of suspected Alprazolam (169.1 grams). In a search of a laundry room and living room in the residence officers found 766.9 grams of fentanyl, 185.6 grams of methamphetamine, blenders, respirators, scales, a hydraulic press with molds and $337.00 cash.

Although charges have been filed, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.

Court Numbers:
Avila Coello, 25019020
Gamez Rivera, 25019022
Cruz Hernandez, 25019024
Hernandez, 25019028

###