San Francisco's former political operative and community activist, Jon Jacobo, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and domestic violence, according to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. Yesterday, San Francisco police took the 35-year-old into custody, with the District Attorney moving to have him detained pending trial due to the public safety risk he poses.
Details provided by the SF Standard indicate that Jacobo is accused of engaging in non-consensual acts, including rape by force, oral copulation by force, sexual battery by restraint, and domestic violence. He was an aide for former Supervisor Jane Kim and held positions at TODCO and Calle 24. Jacobo's affiliation with local Democratic circles and his position at the affordable housing nonprofit TODCO have caused ripples across the community, especially considering his prior reputation as a charismatic leader. Charges were brought against him following a series of allegations from four women, escalated by a detailed investigation that included audio recordings, text messages, and photographic evidence that supported their claims.
The San Francisco Police Department's pressure to ensure accountability burgeoned after four courageously outspoken women shared their personal stories about the accused. In a statement obtained by the SF Standard, the accusers called the charges "a meaningful step toward accountability", pointing out the extensive and strenuous process involved in challenging power structures and battling for justice.
Jacobo's arraignment, which took place on August 6, was laid out in an earlier notification by the SFPD. The public was urged by SFPD Chief Bill Scott to come forward with any related information regarding the case. The department has stated its commitment to deliver justice in this ongoing investigation—while firmly encouraging victims to report incidents of sexual assault. “I would like to thank the survivor for her courage to come forward and cooperation with law enforcement’s investigation,” District Attorney Brooke Jenkins was quoted in an official statement, expressing gratitude towards the SVU for their meticulous work.
This case has highlighted survivors' difficulties when seeking justice within the criminal legal system, which Ivy Lee, director of the city's Office of Victim and Witness Rights, noted as not "friendly or victim centered." The San Francisco Women’s Political Committee's former president, Nadia Rahman, told the SF Standard that the survivors' persistence was a principal force leading to the charges, "It’s been three long years, and a lot of us thought this would never happen," she said.
