Alleged Serial Stalker in SF Finally Arrested
Alleged serial stalker Bill Gene Hobbs
Police in San Francisco arrested a man on Friday who they believe groped and assaulted at least 14 women in the city.
San Francisco resident Bill Gene Hobbs, 34, was taken into custody at 2:28 p.m. on the 3200-block of Van Ness Avenue, according to the police department.
Earlier Friday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced a warrant for Hobbs’ arrest on a total of 16 counts, including felony false imprisonment and 15 misdemeanors.
San Francisco police said in a statement that Hobbs was identified as a suspect in a series of assaults in the city that began in September after interviews with witnesses and victims indicated the same person was responsible.
He faces up to three years in prison if convicted on the felony charge, while the misdemeanor charges carry a penalty of up to six months in jail per victim.
Investigators are encouraging any other victims or witnesses of similar crimes to contact the San Francisco Police Department. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting the department’s tip line 1-415-575-4444.
The misdemeanors Hobbs is facing include two counts of assault, six counts of battery, three counts of sexual battery, and four counts of public nuisance.
“I would like to thank the courageous women and men who came forward to share their stories and evidence with authorities so that we could build a case against Mr. Hobbs,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins in a statement. “Hobbs will be held accountable for the harassment and crimes he committed against women across San Francisco.”
Jenkins said she would ask for Hobbs to be held without bail pending trial.
Copyright © 2022 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.
