Ricci Wynne, a controversial San Francisco social media figure known for posting videos about drug use and homelessness, has now been federally indicted on child sex abuse charges—a dramatic escalation in an already checkered legal saga.
On March 18, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Wynne on allegations of producing child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors say Wynne coerced two minors in 2022 to engage in sexual acts so he could film and photograph them—knowing full well that the content would be distributed.
If convicted, Wynne faces:
- A minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison
- A $250,000 fine
- At least 5 years of supervised release
Wynne was arrested in November 2024 at San Francisco International Airport, returning from Miami with a 30-year-old woman suspected of being trafficked for sex work.
During the arrest, federal agents:
- Seized his iPhone, which allegedly contained images of minors
- Recovered nearly $80,000 in cash from his home during a subsequent raid
From Drug Dealer to "Street Journalist"?
Known online as @rawricci415, Wynne has built a following of over 100,000 Instagram users, styling himself as a "reformed drug dealer turned activist." He gained national attention—and criticism—for filming drug users and homeless individuals in San Francisco and framing it as “truth-telling journalism.”
He’s been featured on conservative platforms like Fox News, often railing against local policies and city officials. But critics say his content exploited vulnerable people for views and was more provocateur than activist.
Previous Charges and Legal Fallout
This isn’t Wynne’s first brush with the law. He was previously charged locally with pimping and pandering, also involving an adult female. The current federal charges are far more serious, and he’s being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County.
His next court date is set for March 26, 2025, in federal court.
The San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, representing him in the local case, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the new federal indictment.
Ricci Wynne’s case is spiraling fast—from street-level influencer to accused felon facing decades in federal prison. What began as viral content and street commentary has now evolved into a serious criminal case with disturbing allegations that extend far beyond San Francisco sidewalks.
Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds.