After DAs criticism, S.F. judge holds mentally ill alleged toilet-paper thief without bail

Willie Johnson, previously arrested for stealing toilet paper from a Walgreens in Noe Valley, has been arraigned again on similar charges, prompting concerns about his mental health. Despite a court order barring him from the store, Johnson allegedly stole six packs of toilet paper during his latest incident. His defense attorney, Ivan Rodriguez, argues that Johnson is experiencing delusions and needs robust mental health treatment rather than punitive measures. Judge Geraldo Sandoval deemed Johnson's repeated offenses a "nuisance" and a public safety concern, deciding to keep him in custody without bail. Johnson's case is complicated by his previous felony conviction and the potential for Proposition 36 to influence the outcome of his charges.

This situation highlights the ongoing tension between mental health treatment and the criminal justice system, as advocates call for better resources for individuals like Johnson. The public discourse surrounding his case reflects broader societal issues regarding mental health support and criminal behavior. As Johnson awaits his preliminary hearing, his situation remains a focal point for discussions on the effectiveness of current interventions.