SF Sheriff’s Deputy Faces Custody Without Bail in Domestic Violence Case
DEBARYLIFE – The District Attorney’s Office said on Monday that a San Francisco sheriff’s deputy will stay in custody after being charged with domestic abuse and battery, stalking, false imprisonment, and other offenses.
According to the prosecutor’s office, 49-year-old Jonathan Espiritu and the victim had an intermittent relationship. According to court documents, the victim attempted to break up with Espiritu when his actions grew “increasingly possessive.”
On August 14, 2023, she attempted to terminate the relationship, but Espiritu allegedly strangled her. On December 8, some months later, Espiritu is said to have attacked her at work once more.
Then, it is claimed that on March 7, 2024, while they were in her car, Espiritu struck her and threatened to “kill himself if she reported him to law enforcement.”
After discovering a tracking device on her car on April 3, she reported him to the police. While she was filing the report, the DA’s office claimed that he was arrested nearby by San Francisco police.
DA Brooke Jenkins stated on X that she was grateful to the victim in this case for coming forward and reporting these acts to the police. “My office will now do everything we can to ensure that there is accountability, and that justice is served.”
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Espiritu entered a not-guilty plea to several charges after being arraigned on Monday.
Domestic abuse on two occasions, Attack likely to result in serious physical harm, Two instances of wrongful detention, pursuing home battery, dehumanizing a witness
unauthorized use of a tracking device, blocking a wireless device’s ability to call for help
Because of safety concerns, the DA’s office asked to be placed under arrest until his trial. The motion was approved by the court, and he will stay behind bars.
He will appear in court again on April 19 for a preliminary hearing. In addition, the court will hear additional information regarding the motion to hold him without bond at a later hearing.
While they continue to investigate the incident, investigators are asking anyone with information to contact them at 1-415-575-4444.
It is advised that persons who are experiencing domestic abuse or who have a loved one in need get assistance and dial 911 in an emergency.
Additional resources for assistance are listed below.
Text START to 88788 or give 800-799-7233 to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
WOMAN, Inc. 877-384-3578, 24/7.
Helpline Numbers 877-751-0880 is the 24/7 crisis line for Asian Women’s Shelter. Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic (CROC) 415-969-6711 La Casa De Las Madres Crisis text, 415-200-3575 A Women’s Place 415-487-2140 Mission Neighborhood Resource Center 415-869-7977