On Friday, Sasha Perigo published on-line a prolonged and detailed rape allegation against Jon Jacobo, a prominent Mission politico and neighborhood activist. 

And, whilst on line accusations of sexual misconduct are progressively common, the degree of element recounted within Perigo’s seven-page narrative is not widespread: It bundled screenshots of text messages, contemporaneous prepared conversations with regards to the alleged April assault, clinical records, a rape package, and a law enforcement report. 

District Lawyer spokeswoman Rachel Marshall verified that the DA’s business office is investigating this case in cooperation with the police. Perigo reported that both equally a representative of the San Francisco Police Division and DA Chesa Boudin himself have contacted her due to the fact Friday to explore her selections. 

Perigo, a housing activist who is properly acknowledged in area political circles, has mentioned she does not wish to press charges against the man she after considered a near buddy. But, with these allegations — and their fundamental evidence — now in the public sphere, that may perhaps be out of her hands. 

“The decision on irrespective of whether to file fees is solely with the prosecutor — solely,” described retired Excellent Court docket Judge LaDoris Cordell. “Victims really don’t file prices. And victims can’t prevent prosecutors from filing expenses.” 

“We prosecute violent crimes even without the need of witness cooperation when we can show the situation,” explained Marshall. 

Several legal specialists contacted by Mission Nearby opined that the amount of depth provided within Perigo’s general public accusation by now met or exceeded the common of “probable cause” necessary for police to make an arrest. Probable cause “is not a pretty higher stress,” explained Laurie Levenson, a criminal regulation professor at Loyola Legislation University and previous federal prosecutor. “It doesn’t even suggest a lot more most likely than not. It’s just a solid suspicion.” 

A San Francisco Law enforcement Division spokesperson stated that “the Exclusive Victims Device is knowledgeable of the social media posting and is hunting into the matter.” 

When compared to the police, prosecutors, however, facial area a far larger burden: whether they can verify a scenario past a reasonable doubt. Which is a tough standard to satisfy devoid of the energetic participation of the accuser — in this circumstance, Perigo. But, lawful gurus ongoing, the evidence she has currently publicly offered mitigates her reticence to thrust for prison prices. 

Perigo’s public statements “are of good aid to the prosecution,” Levenson mentioned, “and probably make it less difficult to prosecute, even if the sufferer does not would like to transfer forward.”