Accused Scott Wiener phone thief due in court

A woman who allegedly robbed San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener of his cellphone and then demanded money for its return will make her first appearance in court Wednesday afternoon, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

Lasonya Wells, 40, is scheduled to be arraigned in San Francisco Superior Court at 1:30 p.m. today on felony charges of robbery and extortion and misdemeanor charges of grand theft and receiving stolen property, according to district attorney’s office spokesman Max Szabo.

Wells was arrested Friday after Wiener and a security guard flagged down officers in the area of 16th and Mission streets around 5:45 p.m.

Wiener told officers the suspect, later identified as Wells, and two others had taken his cellphone, police said.

He negotiated with Wells for the return of his phone in exchange for money, and was then escorted by Wells and the other suspects to an ATM, where Wells demanded money, police said.

After Wiener withdrew the money, Wells returned his phone though a third party and the suspects fled, police said.

Police said investigators were able to identify Wells as the suspect and arrested her at her residence.

Wells has served three prior state prison terms for drug charges, assault and grand theft, Szabo said.

She is currently being held without bail, according to jail records.

Wiener today confirmed his involvement in the incident but declined further comment.

Police are still working to identify the two remaining suspects.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 553-1265.