SF judges release Tenderloin drug dealers despite high rates of failure to appear in court: DA

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Eleven suspected Tenderloin drug dealers were charged with felony drug crimes this week. Of those 11 suspects, judges released eight from jail despite a high chance they will fail to appear in court, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Thursday.

“As of Sept. 27, 2025, we have 1,152 defendants with pending felony narcotics [cases], of which more than half (681) have bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “Of that group of 681 defendants with open bench warrants, 173 individuals have more than one case in bench warrant status, two individuals each have five cases in bench warrant status.”

Ten of the 11 recently arrested suspects were arraigned in San Francisco Superior Court between Sept. 29 and Oct. 1, each pleading not guilty. One suspect who was released by a judge before their arraignment failed to appear in court Tuesday. A bench warrant was issued for the man’s arrest.

Criminal charges for six of the suspects include more severe penalties, per the laws outlined in Prop 36. Three of these suspects face additional charges for committing crimes while on release for previous felony narcotics sales cases.

The DA’s office attempted to hold seven of the recently arrested suspects without bail and hold an eighth in custody through a motion to revoke his existing felony probation. However, as of Oct. 2, only three of the suspects remain in custody.

“Seven individuals were released by the court with stay away orders from the place where they were arrested, and one was released with electronic monitoring,” the DA’s office said. “Of those charged with Prop. 36 enhancements bail was set for three who remain in custody, two were released, and one was ordered released with electronic monitoring.”

As of Sept. 25, 2025, 129 suspects are in custody for 1,152 open drug cases in San Francisco, the DA’s office said. Roughly 100 of these suspects have more than one pending case, 53 have more than two pending cases and one has nine pending felony drug cases.