San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Jason Barber (29), was charged in connection to a shoplifting incident in Noe Valley. Mr. Barber is charged with one count of petty theft with two or more prior convictions (PC 666.1(a)(1)/488) and possession of tear gas by a felon (PC 22810(a)). He is scheduled to be arraigned on December 27, 2024, at 1:30 PM in Department 10 at the Hall of Justice. This is the first case that the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office has filed for petty theft with at least two prior convictions since the implementation of Prop 36 on December 18, 2024.

“I would like to thank the San Francisco Police for their continuous efforts to address brazen retail theft,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office has been working closely with law enforcement and retailers to address retail theft and now thanks to the voters we have new tools available to graduate consequences and ensure that those who repeatedly break our laws are held accountable.”

According to court documents, on December 24, 2024, Mr. Barber allegedly stole numerous cough and cold medications as well as ice cream from a Walgreens in Noe Valley on the 1300 block of Castro Street. Allegedly he placed the items into a bag that he was carrying and exited the store without paying. San Francisco Police located Mr. Barber at a Muni stop a few blocks away with the stolen merchandise and arrested him. The returned value of the items stolen totaled $462.95. Mr. Barber also is alleged to have been found in possession of pepper spray at the time of his arrest, which as a convicted felon he is not allowed to possess. The charging document lists seven prior theft related convictions that triggered application of Penal Code section 666.1, allowing the current offense to be charged as a felony.

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 Number: 24023919