A former San Francisco County Sheriff's deputy, Damon Jones, has been formally charged with sexually assaulting a transgender woman while she was in custody at a downtown San Francisco jail facility, prosecutors announced.

The charges against Jones, 34, include engaging in sexual activity with a confined adult while acting as a peace officer and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, both felonies. The alleged assault, which occurred in September 2025, highlights ongoing concerns about inmate safety and accountability within the city's correctional facilities.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Friday that her office had filed felony charges against Damon Jones, 34, a former San Francisco County Sheriff's deputy. Jones is accused of sexually assaulting a transgender woman in one of the city's downtown jails. The incident reportedly took place on September 11, 2025, at the facility located at 425 7th Street, which houses women and offers a gender-responsive rehabilitation program.

According to prosecutors, Jones allegedly instructed the transgender woman to join him in the gym. Surveillance video captured Jones entering a bathroom stall, with the victim following shortly after. The victim later informed investigators that Jones coerced her into performing oral sex. Crucial evidence emerged when video footage showed the woman exiting the bathroom and retrieving a plastic bag from her sock, into which she then spat. She told investigators she had saved ejaculate in her mouth, which she then preserved in the bag.

This evidence was subsequently provided to her attorney, who submitted it to a crime lab. DNA testing confirmed a match to Damon Jones, prosecutors stated. Following the alleged assault, Jones reportedly threatened the victim, telling her to remain silent and that no one would believe her. He allegedly warned her that if she spoke out, he "would roll her up to F Pod," a statement the victim understood as a threat to transfer her to a less safe unit.

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office emphasized the seriousness of the charges, underlining the breach of trust involved when a peace officer abuses their authority. When reached for comment, neither Damon Jones nor an attorney representing him could be identified or reached as of this publication.