Convicted harasser out of prison, seen approaching women in San Francisco, report says

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A man convicted of stalking, groping and harassing multiple women on the streets of San Francisco is reportedly out of prison and back in the city approaching women – again.

Multiple reporters with the San Francisco Chronicle say they saw 37-year-old Bill Gene Hobbs in Dolores Park and nearby neighborhoods earlier this week. Some said he was yelling at women and behaving aggressively.

ABC7 News spoke with one of Hobbs’ victims, who testified against him in 2023. She said she was notified earlier this year that Hobbs was being considered for early release, but details surrounding the decision, and whether he is under any form of supervision, remain unclear.

“I’m devastated, quite frankly,” the woman said. “A lot of women were very brave in coming forward and sharing their stories. We tried to put a stop to this behavior and feel safe on the streets of San Francisco.”

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She said Hobbs had followed and grabbed her, and the trauma ultimately led her to move out of the Bay Area. Now, she’s warning friends and expressing concern for other victims and for women who may not know his history.

“This sends a very clear message to us,” she said. “Women, however many years later, are no longer safe.”

Hobbs was convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors for stalking and groping women across San Francisco over the course of nearly a year. ABC7 News captured video of his arrest several years ago.

As part of his conviction, Hobbs is required to register as a sex offender. That registration would include providing a current address so law enforcement could issue a community notification. However, a search of the state’s sex offender registry on Tuesday did not show Hobbs as registered.

ABC7 News has reached out to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for details about Hobbs’ release, and to the San Francisco Police Department to ask whether any recent reports have been filed involving him. As of Tuesday afternoon, neither agency has responded.

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At Dolores Park, some women expressed unease after hearing Hobbs may be back in the area.

“I don’t feel comfortable here with my child,” one woman said. “Breastfeeding as well.”

Another parkgoer questioned what kind of rehabilitation or treatment Hobbs may have received while incarcerated.

“What kind of reformation happened?” she asked. “What kind of training or healing did he receive to correct his behavior?”

This is a developing story. ABC7 News will update as more information becomes available.