San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has reportedly secured a conviction against a man for a series of armed robberies and firearm offenses in the Mission District. According to a social media post by the SF District Attorney's Office, the jury found Bruce Blanco, 40, guilty of multiple felony charges. Blanco was convicted of one count of second-degree robbery, one count of attempted robbery, both with firearm enhancements, two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, and three counts of possession of ammunition by a felon.
1/ San Francisco District Attorney @BrookeJenkinsSF announced today that her office secured a conviction of Bruce Blanco after a trial by jury for two separate armed robberies and the possession of firearms and ammunition in the Mission District of San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/6JmPFQD85H
— SF DISTRICT ATTORNEY (@SFDAOffice) November 4, 2024
"I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial," District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said via SF District Attorney's Office in a social media post. The jury's verdict holds Mr. Blanco accountable and also helps to restore the neighborhood's sense of safety, as armed robberies like this don't only impact their victims but also entire communities where individuals feel like they may be victimized. It was noted that Jenkins affirmed that her administration will continue to fight to protect the public's safety aggressively.
The conviction stems from incidents that occurred earlier this year. According to evidence presented at trial, Blanco was found in possession of ammunition by San Francisco Police Officers near 20th Street and South Van Ness on January 20. Subsequently, on March 12, he confronted a resident returning home, asking for money and then pulling out a firearm to demand more when the victim accessed his wallet. Shortly after, Blanco tried to rob a seafood restaurant but failed to open the register and fled.
Currently in custody, Blanco awaits his next court date on November 20, when a bench trial will occur to deliberate on aggravating factors. Sentencing for the convicted crimes has not yet been scheduled.
