San Francisco, CA – District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that William Monroe Palmer (53) of San Francisco has been charged in connection with a sexual and physical assault that allegedly occurred on August 30, 2023. Mr. Palmer was arraigned on November 13, 2023, and pled not guilty to one count of sodomy by force (PC 286(c)(2)(a)), assault with intent to commit a felony (PC 220(a)(1)), sexual battery by restraint (PC 243.4(a)), one count of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury (PC 245(a)(4)), and one count of false imprisonment (PC 236). He also denied the allegation in the criminal complaint alleging that he personally caused great bodily injury to the victim.

“I am grateful to the survivor of this attack for coming forward and sharing her story,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office takes these cases seriously and will fight for justice on her behalf in the courtroom.”

The District Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Palmer who is alleged to have sexually and physically assaulted a woman in his home, after offering her a ride to a nearby BART station. San Francisco Police took Mr. Palmer into custody without incident on November 9, 2023.

Mr. Palmer’s next court date is November 28, 2023, for the preliminary hearing in this matter. The District Attorney’s Office moved to detain him pending trial because of the public safety risk. The court granted the People’s motion to detain without prejudice and set no bail. The court will hear further arguments on the motion to detain at the time of the preliminary hearing in this case. If convicted of all charges and allegations are found to be true, he faces up to life in State Prison.

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: 23018465

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