San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that two individuals were charged in connection to narcotics trafficking in the Tenderloin. Mario Sevilla-Artiaga (26), was arraigned on March 26, 2024, and Angela Otis (37) is scheduled to be arraigned on March 28, 2024. They are both charged with three counts of possession for sale or purchase of controlled substance – fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone (H&S 11351), possession for sale of a controlled substance – cocaine base (H&S 11351.5), possession for sale of a controlled substance – methamphetamine (H&S 11378) and possession for sale of a controlled substance – alprazolam (H&S 11375(b)(1)). Mr. Sevilla-Artiaga pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations. The criminal complaint also alleges that Mr. Sevilla-Artiaga is ineligible for probation as he has two previous felony convictions (PC 1203(e)(4)).
“I would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department and all other law enforcement entities who are working tirelessly to close open-air drug markets and make our neighborhoods safer,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office is committed to doing everything we can to hold dangerous narcotics traffickers accountable.”
According to court records, on March 22, 2024, San Francisco Police observed Mr. Sevilla- Artiaga engaged in what appeared to be narcotics related activity. Further investigation resulted in the seizure of 896 grams (1.975 pounds) of fentanyl under the control of Mr. Sevilla-Artiaga as well as other drugs.
The next court date for Mr. Sevilla-Artiaga is April 9, 2024, in San Francisco Superior Court Department 11, for the preliminary hearing in this matter. The District Attorney’s Office moved to detain Mr. Sevilla-Artiaga pending trial because of the public safety risk he poses. The court granted the motion to detain without prejudice and set no bail for Mr. Sevilla-Artiaga. The court will hear further arguments on the motion to detain at a future hearing.
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 Numbers:
Sevilla-Artiaga – 24005083
Otis – 24005082
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