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San Francisco homeless man in ‘free fentanyl’ sign saga convicted of public nuisance

A man sits near the sidewalk.
Joseph Adam Moore sits on Ninth Avenue near Geary Boulevard on Oct. 22. | Source: Garrett Leahy/The Standard

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Friday that a jury convicted Joseph Adam Moore, 46, of creating a public nuisance near a school after he displayed “free fentanyl” signs from his encampment.

“This verdict sends a clear message that Mr. Moore’s conduct will not be condoned in San Francisco,” Jenkins said. “While we remain a compassionate city, we must protect our children.”

According to trial evidence, Moore piled belongings on Ninth Avenue, taking up much of the sidewalk and blocking e-bike access on Oct. 19 and 20.

Moore, who is a convicted pedophile, displayed signs advertising “Meth for Stolen Items” and “Free Fentanyl 4 New Users” across from Stella Maris Academy, which serves children ages 2 to 13.

Signs reading "Meth for stolen items" and "free fentanyl 4 new users" sit atop Joseph Adam Moore's encampment on Ninth Avenue north of Geary Boulevard in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood.
Signs reading "Meth for stolen items" and "free fentanyl 4 new users" sit atop Joseph Adam Moore's encampment on Ninth Avenue north of Geary Boulevard in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood. | Source: George Kelly/The Standard

“This verdict recognizes that his conduct impacted a whole community,” said Assistant District Attorney Rachel Schneider, who prosecuted the case.

Moore remains in custody. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 27. He faces up to six months in jail and could also face probation revocation in a separate case.