SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Bill Gene Hobbs, a 37-year-old man previously convicted for stalking, groping, and harassing multiple women in San Francisco, has reportedly been seen back in the city after his recent release from prison.
Eyewitness accounts from reporters at the San Francisco Chronicle indicate that Hobbs was observed acting aggressively towards women in Dolores Park and nearby areas earlier this week. Some witnesses reported that he was yelling at individuals as he roamed the vicinity.
One victim, who testified against Hobbs during his trial in 2023, expressed her dismay over his return. Earlier this year, she was informed of his possible early release, but details regarding his supervision and post-release conditions remain largely unknown.
“I’m devastated, quite frankly,” the victim stated. “A lot of women were very brave in coming forward and sharing their stories. We tried to put a stop to this behavior and feel safe on the streets of San Francisco.”
The woman described her traumatic experience, detailing how Hobbs had followed and assaulted her, a situation that ultimately forced her to leave the Bay Area. Today, she is concerned about other potential victims and is warning her friends about his history.
“This sends a very clear message to us,” she remarked. “Women, however many years later, are no longer safe.”
Hobbs was found guilty of multiple felonies and misdemeanors for similar offenses committed across San Francisco over a span of nearly a year. As part of his sentencing, he is required to register as a sex offender, which entails providing a current address for community notification. A recent search on the state’s sex offender registry did not show Hobbs as registered.
ABC7 News has reached out to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for information regarding Hobbs’ release and is awaiting a response from the San Francisco Police Department concerning any recent incidents involving him.
At Dolores Park, the community has voiced their concerns regarding Hobbs’ presence. One mother stated her discomfort with the situation, mentioning, “I don’t feel comfortable here with my child, breastfeeding as well.”
Another park visitor raised questions about the kind of rehabilitation or therapy that Hobbs may have undergone while incarcerated.
“What kind of reformation happened?” she asked. “What kind of training or healing did he receive to correct his behavior?”
This situation is still developing, with ABC7 News pledging to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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