(KRON) — Investigators said a “prolific” thief has been charged with 29 counts in connection to home, business, and car burglaries across San Francisco.
Patrick Potter, 29, was arraigned in court Wednesday. He pleaded not guilty to charges including grand theft and residential burglary.
Potter is accused of carrying out 18 burglaries across a large swath of neighborhoods, including Chinatown, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, and the Mission.
Potter’s San Francisco crime spree lasted for five months until he was arrested at an Oakland hotel, investigators said.
Police Chief Bill Scott said, “Community centers, businesses, homes, and vehicles that were ransacked … and tens of thousands of dollars of cash and property (were) taken.” Laptops, video game consoles, and packages were among the stolen items.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said, “Property crimes deeply impact residents and businesses across the city. I am grateful to the San Francisco Police Department for their efforts to solve
this burglary series that spanned many neighborhoods and involved numerous victims.”
Potter has remained in custody since he was nabbed on July 6. He is being held in jail without bail.
Scott and Jenkins said they are using Potter’s arrest as an example to deter others from committing similar crimes. The police chief said, “These types of crimes are unacceptable. Let me clear about that. And anyone who thinks it’s OK to victimize people in this way must learn that they will be arrested.”
Jenkins said, “We will seek justice for the victims in the courtroom and continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to improve public safety across the city and ensure that there is accountability for criminal behavior.”
Potter’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 25. If convicted of the charges against him, Potter could face up to 25 years in state prison.
