A San Francisco jury has convicted 25-year-old Sahra Bozorgmehr on charges of assault after an altercation at a SOMA grocery store, announced District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. According to official reports, the incident occurred on February 16, 2021, when the defendant entered the establishment without a mask, contrary to the store's policy.
Following the store owner's request for her to wear a mask, Bozorgmehr assaulted the shopkeeper, scratching their face, and then, upon being denied re-entry, she pepper-sprayed the victim. A witness at the scene took action to subdue Bozorgmehr until police arrived, as disclosed by the district attorney's office. "I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial," Jenkins stated, "The jury's verdict holds Ms. Bozorgmehr accountable for her actions and makes clear that violent incidents will not be tolerated by San Franciscans," as detailed by the SF District Attorney's Office.
1/ Today, San Francisco District Attorney @BrookeJenkinsSF announced that her office secured a conviction of Sahra Bozorgmehr after a trial by jury for attacking a store owner in SOMA.
— SF DISTRICT ATTORNEY (@SFDAOffice) July 23, 2024
Ms. Bozorgmehr was convicted of one count of assault. pic.twitter.com/NvnglSYatF
Assistant District Attorney Ahmanda Lee led the prosecution with support from several paralegals and IT staff. In a reflection of the team's efforts, Lee remarked, as per the SF District Attorney's Office, "I'd like to commend the jury for their service and for their thorough deliberation of the facts. Their thoughtful attention to the law resulted in a just verdict that held the defendant accountable for her actions." Lee also addressed the context of the Covid-19 pandemic stating, "COVID-19 was a troubling time for all members of society, however, in no way would any of its effects have made it permissible to inflict violence upon others and to disregard the law." These comments highlight the judiciary's stance on acts of aggression during a particularly challenging period for the community.
Currently out of custody, Bozorgmehr is scheduled for sentencing on August 9. The outcome of this case may serve as a reminder of the ongoing repercussions of pandemic-era conflicts and the legal boundaries surrounding public health directives.
