San Francisco, CA: The protagonist of “Saving San Francisco,” James Durgin, had been evading capture for approximately two weeks before his re-arrest on Monday evening.
Durgin, 55, approximates that he has spent over a century incarcerated in San Francisco. His troubled life and tarnished criminal record have historically exemplified numerous societal challenges that afflict San Francisco, such as homelessness, substance abuse, and the criminal justice system.
Formerly esteemed as a private school instructor and fitness coach, Durgin has been found guilty of a variety of drug-related and violent offenses spanning the last two decades. Despite the court’s repeated orders that he attend rehabilitation, he has frequently abandoned the program, frequently within hours of enrolling.
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Local and federal authorities issued arrest warrants for Durgin last month, each of which accused him of a distinct offense. After abandoning the transitional housing to which he was assigned in March in violation of the terms of his probation, Durgin became a sought individual.
Durgin failed to appear in federal court for a hearing regarding an unrelated vandalism allegation, one day after the adult probation department of San Francisco obtained its arrest warrant. As a consequence, federal prosecutors obtained their arrest warrant.
According to the residents, the graffiti was intended for Ann Rea, a neighbor who was also featured in the documentary ‘Saving San Francisco.’ Since August 2017, Rea, who claims she was unaware of Durgin until he attempted to break into her residence, has been subject to a restraining order. However, security footage has captured Durgin repeatedly disobeying the restraining order by returning to Rea’s front doorstep nude at all hours of the day.
Durgin, who is currently detained in the San Francisco County jail, is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to address his most recent probation violation. Following the conclusion of the legal proceedings in that case, it is probable that Durgin will be detained at the federal level to confront the impending vandalism charge.