On a notable day for the San Francisco legal system, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced a victory against narcotics operations in the Tenderloin district. As reported by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, Osman Gutierrez, age 38, faced conviction on multiple felony counts, including possession for sale of narcotics, after a jury trial. Gutierrez was specifically convicted of possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine for sale, two counts of possessing cocaine base for sale, violating a court order, and simple possession of cocaine base. "I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial," Jenkins stated, emphasizing the continued crackdown on drug dealing in the neighborhood.
The evidence presented at trial included an array of incidents where Gutierrez was arrested for attempting narcotics transactions and possession of drugs along with US currency, actions that were in clear violation of court orders and previous releases on his recognizance. During one arrest in January 2023, the convict was caught with 14.3 grams of fentanyl, 6.7 grams of methamphetamine, and $233. Further arrests throughout the year revealed more illicit substances and cash on his person, with one arrest in August 2023 involving 12.6 grams of cocaine base and $130.
Assistant District Attorney En-Ta Tu led the successful prosecution of the case. "This verdict is a testament to the continued efforts against the open-air drug market by the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center (DMACC) and Tenderloin Plainclothes Unit," Tu commented on the collaboration that brought Gutierrez to justice, per the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. The prosecution's case was bolstered by the committed service of San Francisco Police Department officers and the extensive support staff, including District Attorney Investigators, the subpoena unit, and dedicated paralegals. They compiled a robust case underlined Gutierrez’s defiance of the law and repeat offender status.
Gutierrez is now in custody, awaiting his sentencing scheduled for May 30.
