San Francisco, CA –District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of San Francisco resident Deandre Gippson (27) for grand theft after a trial by jury. Mr. Gippson was convicted of grand theft (PC 487 (c)) for stealing an iPhone from a 69 year-old woman. 

“The jury’s verdict holds Mr. Gippson accountable for this brazen iPhone theft,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.  “Stealing cell phones from unsuspecting victims on public transit has become far too common around the Bay Area and it is clear that every day San Franciscans are not going to tolerate it when they receive proof that someone has committed such a crime. Far too many residents and families rely on public transit to move about our city daily and deserve to be safe while they ride our buses and trains.”

According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, Gippson intentionally targeted a 69-year-old female victim boarding a bus at Divisadero Street and Geary Boulevard. Mr. Gippson grabbed the woman’s iPhone as she was boarding a bus and took off running. He laughed at the victim, who chased after him but could not keep up. One witness called 911 while a second witness pursued Mr. Gippson in his vehicle to Geary Boulevard and Scott Street honking his horn and waiving his hands. The witness was able to flag down San Francisco Police at Geary Boulevard and Scott Street who then took Mr. Gippson into custody.    

The case against Mr. Gippson was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Josiah Bournes, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Jean Roland, paralegals Julio Flores Guzman and Jennifer Java, District Attorney Investigator Glenn Ponn, and IT support from Noaeh Pinaire and Morris Moore. 

“We thank the jury for its careful consideration in this case,” said Assistant District Attorney Josiah Bournes. “In addition, the case could not have been successfully prosecuted without the quick thinking and willingness to help of the two witnesses in this case and the strong investigation (and subsequent testimony) by the San Francisco Police Department. The defendant appeared to intentionally select the victim while walking down the street and we are grateful that the justice system sent a message that behavior of this kind is unacceptable.”

Mr. Gippson is currently in custody and sentencing is scheduled for October 4, 2023.

Court Numbers: 23001936

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