San Bernardino County Theft Suspects Face Tougher Penalties Under Prop. 36
Theft suspects in San Bernardino County may face harsher penalties due to the recent implementation of Prop. 36 aimed at increasing crime sentences
San Bernardino, California, Prop. 36, Theft, Burglary, Shoplifting
San Bernardino: Recently, some theft suspects in the High Desert area are in hot water. They might face tougher penalties now that Prop. 36 is in play.
This new law, which just kicked in, was backed by over 68% of California voters. It rolls back some leniency from Prop. 47, which was passed back in 2014. So, now, penalties for theft and drug-related crimes are getting a boost.
Since the law went live on December 18, police have jumped right in. Repeat offenders who used to get quick releases are now finding themselves stuck in jail.
Both Sheriff Shannon Dicus and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors are on board with this change, even though Governor Newsom wasn’t a fan.
The sheriff’s department made it clear that these new charges could lead to longer sentences and keep offenders from being released before their court dates.
They’ve already highlighted some recent theft arrests where suspects are likely to face these increased penalties. One incident happened at a Home Depot in Victorville, where a guy allegedly stole over $10,000 worth of stuff.
Deputies caught up with 26-year-old Daniel Palencia Moreno from Hesperia, who was booked for burglary and petty theft.
Another arrest went down at a PetSmart in Apple Valley, where 56-year-old Mark Anthony Huddleston was caught stealing dog food. He’s got a history of similar offenses.
Then there’s Angelina Herrera, a 40-year-old from San Bernardino, who was nabbed at an Ulta Beauty store for shoplifting. She’s also facing other charges.
California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta, who stayed neutral on Prop. 36 before the vote, has sent out guidelines to law enforcement on how to implement the new law.
He emphasized that tackling organized retail crime requires teamwork and a strong commitment to keeping our communities safe. His office is all in on fighting this issue.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: San Bernardino County deputies making theft arrests under Prop. 36