San Francisco's battle with narcotics trafficking continues as District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against four individuals suspected of heavy involvement in the illicit trade. The suspects, identified as Melany Avila Coello, Hilda Gamez Rivera, Wilmer Jonael Cruz Hernandez, and Franklin Hernandez, are facing multiple felony counts after an investigation into drug activities in the SOMA district, as detailed by the SF District Attorney's Office.
Deepening the case, Franklin Hernandez and Cruz Hernandez are tagged with charges that include an allegation of arms possession during their drug peddling escapades. Specifically, Franklin Hernandez faces 15 felony counts, while Cruz Hernandez is up against five felony counts. The allegations against them are bolstered by the recent legislative update via Prop 36, which modifies existing laws about narcotics possession and sale while armed. Undercover operations conducted by the San Francisco Police Department, spanning several months, culminated in the arrests after officers bought drugs directly from the suspects.
Avila Coello and Gamez Rivera entered not guilty pleas during their arraignment on Monday, with both women denying all charges and the additional weight enhancements based on the quantities of fentanyl alleged. Despite the serious charges, they were released before their first court appearances and will return to court on October 15 for a preliminary conference.
On the other hand, bench warrants are out for Franklin Hernandez and Cruz Hernandez as neither appeared for their scheduled arraignment. A search post-arrest revealed possession of significant quantities of both fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as weapons, cash, and equipment indicative of narcotics distribution activities. Law enforcement officials also executed a search of an Oakland residence linked to the suspects, discovering fentanyl in quantities that trigger the enhancements as allowed by Prop 36, more drugs, cash, a firearm, ammunition, and various paraphernalia in separate rooms throughout the household.
The investigation into this narcotics network is ongoing, and the San Francisco Police Department encourages anyone with information to contribute by reaching out through their Tip Line or by sending a text beginning with SFPD to TIP411. Tips can be made anonymously.
