Aug 28
Man convicted for public sex acts in front of children in SF’s Castro district
John Ferrannini READ TIME: 2 MIN.
A man was convicted August 28 on charges related to intentionally committing sexual acts in front of children in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood, according to the office of District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
Michael Watson, 35, of San Francisco, was convicted of three felony counts of indecent exposure with a prior conviction, three counts of annoying or molesting a child, and one count of stalking.
“According to evidence presented at trial, Mr. Watson repeatedly for a year showed up at a boba shop in the Castro where two middle school students, along with their friends, would frequent after school on the same day each week,” a news release from Jenkins’ office stated. “Mr. Watson would arrive outside the boba shop completely nude and covered in oil. He would stare at the group and masturbate the entire time they were present. On January 15, 2025, he followed them from the boba shop towards Dolores Park.”
Watson is in custody, and faces up to five years in prison. He will have to register as a sex offender for a minimum of 10 years pursuant to the penal code. Sentencing is set for October 29.
Jenkins stated, “I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial. The jury’s verdict holds Mr. Watson accountable for his reprehensible behavior. My office will always do everything we can to protect children in our city from dangerous individuals like Mr. Watson.”
Assistant District Attorney Tanisha Gooch led the prosecution of the case.
“I would like to thank the survivors for coming forward to tell their story, their parents for supporting them through the process, and the jury for their thoughtful deliberations,” Gooch stated. “As a community, we must stand up for what’s right and report inappropriate conduct instead of turning a blind eye. Mr. Watson’s actions were very disturbing and went on for far too long. The Castro is a place where everyone should feel safe and lewd conduct will not be tolerated.”
Attorneys for Watson were not immediately identified.
