SAN FRANCISCO—On March 27, the SFDA’s Office announced that two individuals were charged in connection to narcotics trafficking in the Tenderloin District.  Mario Sevilla-Artiaga, 26, was arraigned on March 26, and Angela Otis, 37, was scheduled for arraignment on March 28.

They are both charged with three counts of possession for sale or purchase of controlled substance – fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone (H&S 11351), possession for sale of a controlled substance – cocaine base (H&S 11351.5), possession for sale of a controlled substance – methamphetamine (H&S 11378) and possession for sale of a controlled substance – alprazolam (H&S 11375(b)(1)).  Sevilla-Artiaga pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations.  The criminal complaint also alleges that he is ineligible for probation as he has two previous felony convictions (PC 1203(e)(4)).

According to court records, on March 22, officers with the San Francisco Police Department spotted Sevilla-Artiaga engaged in what appeared to be narcotics related activity.  Further investigation resulted in the seizure of 896 grams (1.975 pounds) of fentanyl under the control of Sevilla-Artiaga as well as other drugs.

The next court date for Sevilla-Artiaga is April 9, in San Francisco Superior Court Department 11, for the preliminary hearing in this matter.  The District Attorney’s Office moved to detain the defendant pending trial because of the public safety risk he poses.  The court granted the motion to detain without prejudice and set no bail for the defendant. The court will hear further arguments on the motion to detain at a future hearing.

Details about Angela Otis’ case have not been disclosed to the public yet. Anyone with details about the case is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.