Controversial Beach Fence Builder Faces Jail Time for Threats

Luke Brugnara, known as 'Lucky Luke', accused of threatening to shoot people near fence blocking public beach access

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to revoke the bond of Luke Brugnara, a once-wealthy San Francisco investor known as 'Lucky Luke', after his arrest last month for allegedly threatening to shoot people near a fence he erected on property he does not fully own, blocking access to Thornton State Beach. Brugnara, who was previously convicted in a federal art fraud case and is currently awaiting trial for pandemic-related fraud, is accused of approaching a couple walking their dog and threatening to shoot them if they came near the fence.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between private property rights and public beach access in California, as well as concerns about repeat offenders being released on bail. Brugnara's history of legal disputes and alleged criminal behavior raise questions about the ability of authorities to hold such individuals accountable.

The details

Prosecutors say that on January 21, Brugnara approached a couple walking their dog near the fence and threatened to shoot them if they got close, claiming he was a billionaire who could do what he wanted. Brugnara is also accused of being in possession of a firearm, which is a violation of his supervised release. Federal officials allege Brugnara submitted at least three fraudulent loan applications under federal aid programs in 2021, for which he currently faces nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering.

  • On January 21, Brugnara allegedly threatened to shoot a couple walking their dog near the fence.
  • In 2021, federal officials allege Brugnara submitted at least three fraudulent loan applications under federal aid programs.
  • Brugnara's trial for the pandemic-related fraud charges is scheduled for June 1, 2026.

The players

Luke Brugnara

A once-wealthy San Francisco investor known as 'Lucky Luke' who was convicted 11 years ago in a federal case involving an $11 million art fraud and is currently awaiting trial for pandemic-related fraud charges.

Craig Missakian

The U.S. Attorney who wrote the federal motion to revoke Brugnara's bond.

Donna Pope

A Santa Cruz resident who owns one of the parcels of land where Brugnara built the fence, and has reported a trespasser to the police.

Joan Kneass

A Santa Cruz resident who co-owns the parcel of land next to the parking lot where Brugnara built the fence.

Stephen Rose

The lawyer for Bruce Norton, who owns the largest share of the land where Brugnara built the fence and wants it removed.

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What they’re saying

“Not only did Brugnara threaten to use a gun to 'shoot on sight,' he was found within reach of a firearm that led to his supervised release revocation, which is in itself another crime.”

— Craig Missakian, U.S. Attorney

“It's horrible. It's like a nightmare. I don't know what my next steps are.”

— Patricia Fraguglia

“I think this is a pack of lies.”

— Stephen Rose, Lawyer for Bruce Norton

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Luke Brugnara out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on San Francisco streets, and if any special laws are needed to govern private actions that restrict public access to California's coastline.