San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured the conviction of Joel Lewis Robinson (51), of San Francisco, after a trial by jury for felony resisting an executive officer (PC 69), misdemeanor attempted petty theft (PC 664/490.2(a)), and misdemeanor contempt of court order (PC 166(a)(4)). The convictions stem from a May 16, 2026, incident at Macy’s, where Mr. Robinson violently resisted a lawful detention by a San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer while violating a court-ordered stay-away order.
“This conviction reinforces the importance of holding individuals accountable when they resist law enforcement, attempt to commit theft, and violate court orders,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to uphold the law, protect local businesses and their employees, and ensure our downtown community remains safe for residents, workers, and visitors.”
On April 28, 2026, Mr. Robinson was ordered by the court to stay away from Macy’s. On May 16, 2026, Macy’s Asset Protection personnel reported observing Mr. Robinson concealing jewelry on surveillance video, subsequently alerting store personnel and SFPD. When SFPD officers arrived, he refused to comply and forcefully resisted detention. Following Mr. Robinson’s arrest, officers recovered two boxes of jewelry from his jacket pockets.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ashley Lee, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Michael Beaver, IT support from Noaeh Pinaire and Morris Moore, and paralegal support from Andres Ruano Hernandez.
“The jury’s verdict makes clear that San Francisco takes theft and violations of court orders seriously,” said Assistant District Attorney Ashley Lee. “It further sends a powerful message that using violence to resist a peace officer lawfully performing their duties will not be tolerated.”
Mr. Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2026.
Court Number: 26011328
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