SAN FRANCISCO—On May 14, the San Francisco Police Department announced that it made a series of arrests in connection to multiple theft series that have taken place in the region.
The SFPD Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Task Force is continuing its rigorous efforts to apprehend prolific retail theft suspects.
Newer California statutes are providing investigators and prosecutors with stronger tools to address chronic retail theft. Effective December 18, 2024, Penal Code 666.1 allows for a felony charge and jail booking for suspects who commit petty theft and have two or more prior theft-related convictions. As of Jan. 1, 2025, Penal Code 487(e) enables investigators and prosecutors to aggregate multiple ‘petty’ thefts into a single felony charge once the total value exceeds $950.
Tyrese Boswell series
Between late 2025 and April 2026, Tyrese Boswell, 24, targeted specific Walgreens locations in San Francisco during 27 separate theft incidents. Boswell focused primarily on stealing cosmetics and batteries.
He was initially arrested on Christmas Eve of 2025 for 18 thefts at the Walgreens located on the 1100 block of Columbus Avenue. Following his release, he began targeting the retail store located on the 1300 block of Castro Street. Boswell was engaged in a week-long theft spree that led to a second arrest on April 4, 2026, for 7 additional thefts. After being released pending his court date, he returned to the Castro store twice more before being apprehended for a third time on April 16, 2026. The value of the stolen merchandise totaled nearly $40,000.
Total arrest charges for Tyrese Boswell:
9x Burglary – 459 PC (2nd degree) / Felony
7x Grand Theft – 487(a) PC / Felony
7x Petty Theft with Prior Convictions – 666.1(a)(1) PC / Felony
1x Possessing Stolen Property – 496(a) PC / Misdemeanor
Safeway series
Following reports from Safeway Asset Protection regarding two unknown suspects consistently targeting meat, seafood, and produce, ORC Task Force Investigators successfully identified Jacqueline Michael, 33, and Darlene Gilbert, 35.
Between January 14, 2026, and April 1, 2026, the duo stole over $3,200 in merchandise across 14 separate incidents. Michael was initially arrested on April 2, 2026, for 5 incidents, and Gilbert was arrested on a warrant the following day for 3 incidents. Further collaboration with Safeway uncovered additional thefts, leading to Michael’s re-arrest on May 6, 2026 (for 9 additional incidents) and Gilbert’s re-arrest on May 10, 2026 (for 2 additional incidents).
Total arrest charges for Jacqueline Michael:
14x Petty Theft with Priors – 666.1(a)(1) PC / Felony
1x Organized Retail Theft – 490.4(a)(1) PC / Felony
14x New Felony while Released on Bail for a Felony – 12022.1(b) PC
Total arrest charges for Darlene Gilbert:
5x Petty Theft with Priors – 666.1(a)(1) PC / Felony
1x Organized Retail Theft – 490.4(a)(1) PC / Felony
Coffee shop series
ORC Task Force Investigators launched an investigation into a series of thefts at coffee shops along the 100-block of Sutter Street, 400-block of Grant Street, and 1600-block of Noriega Avenue, identifying Stanley Young, 38, as the primary suspect. Young was initially arrested on March 6, 2026, on misdemeanor charges, subsequently pleading guilty and receiving Stay Away Orders from the targeted locations.
The new conviction made Young eligible to be charged with Petty Theft with Prior Convictions. ORC Task Force Investigators were able to tie Young to numerous additional incidents at SF coffee shops and began building those cases.
Between March 16 and March 17, coffee shops reported new incidents involving Young to officers. After a brief foot pursuit, officers apprehended Young on March 17, 2026, and placed him under arrest for his multiple cases. Released on his Own Recognizance on March 19, Young committed yet another theft on Sansome Street on March 25, leading to his latest arrest on March 31, 2026.
Total arrest charges for Stanley Young:
1x Criminal Threats – 422(a) PC / Felony
4x Petty Theft with Priors – 666.1(a)(1) PC / Felony
1x New Felony while Released on Own Recognizance for a Felony – 12022.1(b) PC
11x Petty Theft – 490.2(a) PC / Misdemeanor
2x Stay Away Order Violation – 166(a)(4) PC / Misdemeanor
Walgreens series
On October 19, 2025, Faniel Rusher, 36, was arrested for two theft incidents at a Walgreens store located on the 1500 block of Polk Street, resulting in charges for robbery, shoplifting, and Stay Away Order violations. Investigators were informed that Rusher was a habitual offender who routinely ignored the Stay Away Orders.
Following an extensive investigation, the ORC Task Force developed probable cause to arrest Rusher for over a dozen additional theft incidents. On April 29, 2026, officers successfully apprehended Rusher as he appeared to be heading back to the Polk Street Walgreens location.
Total Arrest Charges:
21x Petty Theft with Priors – 666.1(a)(1) PC / Felony
21x Stay Away Order Violation – 166(a)(4) PC / Misdemeanor
21x New Felony while Released on Own Recognizance for a Felony – 12022.1(b) PC
To reinforce accountability and ensure these serial offenders face appropriate criminal justice consequences, the cases for Boswell, Michael, Gilbert, and Rusher have been assigned to the ORC Vertical Prosecutor within the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.
Any business that would like to participate in an Organized Retail Crime operation can contact sfpd.retailtheft@sfgov.org.
The SFPD is still investigation the cases. Anyone with details should call the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444(opens in a new window) or Text-A-Tip to TIP411(opens in a new window), beginning your message with SFPD.
