Accused San Francisco Serial Groper Bill Gene Hobbs Found Guilty on 9 Counts

A jury unanimously found a man who was accused of grabbing, following and harassing women on the streets of San Francisco guilty on eight counts of battery, sexual battery and assault as well as one felony count of false imprisonment, according to his attorney.

Bill Gene Hobbs made headlines late last year after a slew of women said that he had inappropriately approached and grabbed them in public shortly after he was released for allegedly following and grabbing a 15-year-old girl.

The sole felony charge stemmed from an incident in which Hobbs was accused of approaching a woman from behind, wrapping her in a “bear hug” and carrying her 15 feet while she was walking her dog in the Marina District. The jury didn't reach a verdict on two other misdemeanor charges.

One of his alleged victims described the 6-foot-tall Hobbs to have a look of “pure evil."

Hobbs' attorney had argued that he suffered from mental illness and that his behavior didn't constitute felonious conduct.

At a previous hearing, a prosecutor from the District Attorney’s Office argued that the misdemeanor charges could’ve become felonious had his alleged victims not escaped.

“The jury’s verdict delivers justice for all of the women that were victimized by Mr. Hobbs,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins in a statement. “He will now face consequences for his unacceptable behavior, and brazen harassment of women throughout San Francisco.