Judge Cancels Bail for San Francisco Fraud Convict After Multiple Violations

U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros ordered the revocation of pre-trial bond for Luke Brugnara, a former San Francisco real-estate investor with a record of court evasion. Brugnara failed to appear at a February bond-revocation hearing and was later captured by U.S. Marshals after an incident at Thornton State Beach where he allegedly threatened two people with a gun. Prosecutors highlighted his 2021 fraud scheme that netted over $400,000 in federal pandemic aid and his prior convictions for fraud, tax fraud, and weapons violations.

During the hearing, Brugnara repeatedly interrupted the judge, claiming bias and asserting his innocence. His lawyer proposed an ankle monitor and a $50,000 cash bond backed by his landlord, but the government objected, noting the landlord’s possible complicity. Cisneros indicated the motion would be taken under submission and that Brugnara would remain detained. The case proceeds to trial on June 1.