SF DA dismisses drug cases after officer accused of inappropriate relationship with informant

SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco District Attorney's Office has started dismissing some drug dealing cases associated with a veteran police officer who is accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a confidential informant, according to sources. 

Christina Hayes, the officer accused of alleged misconduct, has been removed from the police department's narcotics division to a position where she does not have any contact with the public. Hayes has been with San Francisco Police Department since 2006. 

A spokesperson from the district attorney's office stated that certain cases were unable to proceed due to complications with "witness unavailability."

A photo of SFPD Officer Christina Hayes, obtained by The San Francisco Standard in court documents. 

However, Public defender Mano Raju expressed concerns that the alleged misconduct by the officer may have had an impact on numerous cases.

"No one yet knows how deep this goes, but the initial cases being dismissed appear to be just the tip of the iceberg. Thousands of cases may be tainted," Raju said.

A former Alameda County prosecutor Terry Wiley says it's too early to say how many cases could end up being dismissed. He says it depends in large part on what the accused officer's role was in each case, adding that it's unlikely those cases will be refiled. 

"One person makes a mistake and it goes directly to the person's credibility as a witness, as a police officer and the result is now cases are being dismissed," Wiley said. 

Police Commissioner Kevin Benedicto says he cannot talk about this case because it's under investigation. He says he's surprised and disappointed by the allegation. 

"It's very troubling to me. I think it's important that we hold our officers to the highest standards of conduct because it best protects the public," Benedicto said.

Benedicto concerned about the impact on the city's efforts to crack down on drug dealing. 

"It undermines trust in the public. It undermines ongoing investigations which is why it's so important you have strict conduct policies," he added. 

San Francisco Police Officer's Association said in a written statement that Hayes' case deserves a thorough review.

"When a claim is made that an officer violates policy, they deserve the due process afforded to them in our contract and under the law. We encourage fair and thorough reviews. And if the officer is deemed to have violated our policies, they must be held accountable for their actions," the SFPOA said. 

The police commission says if the officer faces disciplinary charges that involve more than a 10-day suspension by the police chief or if the officer appeals, the police commission will be hearing the case. 

There is no timeline for when an administrative hearing for the officer would take place. 

A photo of SFPD Officer Christina Hayes was obtained by The San Francisco Standard from court documents.