Federal Judge Releases Prolific San Francisco Attacker with 100-Page Rap Sheet After 28-Month Time-Served Sentence

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered the release of Akal Allen, a man described as a "prolific street attacker" with an extensive 100-page criminal record, after he received a time-served 28-month sentence for assaulting a female FBI employee. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria endorsed a joint recommendation from defense and government attorneys, leading to Allen's impending release from San Francisco County Jail. The decision has sparked public concern given Allen's long history of violent and sexual assaults.

The incident leading to the federal charge occurred in June 2023, when Allen, "without provocation," punched an FBI crisis management specialist in the face near the agency’s San Francisco office. The attack resulted in a broken nose and subsequent facial paralysis for the victim. Allen, who has spent the last two years in a federal medical center after being deemed incompetent to stand trial, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal employee.

During the sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Lagrama acknowledged the victim's substantial physical and emotional harm and Allen's criminal record. However, Lagrama emphasized that Allen's actions were likely driven by a mental health disorder, stating, "it’s clear from these proceedings that Mr Allen suffers from a mental health disorder that was likely a primary causative factor in his offense." He also noted Allen's commitment to taking his anti-psychotic medication and regaining competency.

Allen's past includes a 2011 conviction for "unlawful sexual intercourse" after choking, punching, and repeatedly raping a developmentally disabled woman, for which he served two years. In 2014, he received 44 days for aggravated trespass after breaking into a home where two young girls were alone. He also served nine months in jail for two misdemeanors in 2019 after public indecency and sexual assault at a laundromat.

The FBI employee, Allen's most recent victim, addressed the court, stating, "My life has drastically changed since my interaction with Mr Allen." She expressed hope that Allen would receive the resources to become a contributing member of the community and break his cycle of violence. Allen himself offered brief remarks, saying, "I apologize for my actions" and expressing gratitude for a "second chance."

Conditions for Allen's release include mandatory anti-psychotic medication and residency in an approved halfway house, under the supervision of Dr. Jacob Izenberg of UCSF Citywide Case Management and probation officials. Judge Chhabria warned that "any sign of medication non-compliance" or "criminal activity" would result in "serious consequences." Allen is scheduled to be released on November 3.