San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that her office secured a rape conviction of Nitish Sharma (32) after trial by jury.  Mr. Sharma was convicted of rape of an intoxicated person (PC 261(a)(3)).  Mr. Sharma raped an intoxicated woman he was acquainted with.  Mr. Sharma went out with the woman and several friends to a club in San Francisco.  When the woman became sick, unable to walk and talk, and began throwing up, he took her home.  Once in her house, she continued to throw up.  Mr. Sharma helped her undress and get into bed.  He then got into bed with her and had sexual intercourse with her when he knew, or should have known, she was too intoxicated to resist.  He left a few minutes later and rejoined his friends in the club.   

“The jury’s verdict delivers justice to the survivor and holds Mr. Sharma accountable for his despicable crime,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.  “This case should make it crystal clear that there will be consequences for those who seek to take advantage of people at their most vulnerable moments.”

The case against Mr. Sharma was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Schmidt with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Rachel Flaherman and from paralegal Andrew Ong and paralegal trainee Nika Zupancic and support from the District Attorney’s Office IT team.  Victim Advocate Abby Cordova worked closely with the victim throughout the case.  The investigation was performed by the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and District Attorney Investigator Lessa Vivian.

“Rape is a profound violation of a person’s dignity and autonomy,” said Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Schmidt.  “It leaves many survivors feeling violated, scared, distrustful, and deeply alone.  I hope this public verdict gives the victim a measure of comfort and helps with her healing.” 

Sharma was arrested by San Francisco Police on September 29, 2017.  He faces up to eight years in State Prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender.  Sentencing is scheduled for June 15, 2023. 

If you or a loved one is in need of support, please seek help. In an emergency call 9-1-1.

Below are additional resources for support:

• San Francisco Women Against Rape 415.647.7273
• Rape Trauma Services 650.692.7276
• Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) 800.656.4673

Court Number: 17014382

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