San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has announced charges against 32-year-old Patrick Potter for his alleged involvement in a series of burglaries in Oakland. According to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, Potter, who was out on his own recognizance from an earlier set of burglaries in San Francisco, now faces multiple felonies. These new charges include first-degree residential burglary, second-degree commercial burglary, and unlawful entry of a vehicle, among others.
Potter appeared in court on January 23, pleading not guilty to all new charges and denying the allegations. Despite the pleas, the court set bail at $100,000 due to the risk to public safety. Potter's Mental Health Diversion, granted despite opposition from the prosecutors, is also facing a termination motion. According to the same district attorney's report, this hearing is scheduled for the forthcoming Monday, during which prosecutors will argue against the continuation of his diversion due to the recent felony charges.
The situation unfolded after Potter's release into a mental health diversion program, which required him to be home detained and monitored electronically. However, he allegedly failed to comply with the ordered conditions, leading to his arrest on January 9. At the time of his arrest in San Francisco, sheriff's deputies claim to have found him carrying a backpack filled with multiple items suspected to be stolen, such as identity cards, keys, and electronic devices, as well as burglary tools.
Investigations remain ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with pertinent information to contact the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444, or to text TIP411 with the message beginning with SFPD. This can be done anonymously. The district attorney's office statement stresses that although charges are in place, the inquiry into the circumstances is still active and evolving.
