San Bernardino County theft suspects face potential increased penalties

Recently arrested theft suspects in the High Desert and beyond are facing potentially increased penalties as law enforcement officials apply Prop. 36, which took effect last week.

Prop. 36, which was approved by more than 68% of California voters in the November election, rolled back some of the sentence reductions previously enacted by voters through Prop. 47 in 2014. The new legislation increases potential penalties for certain crimes, including theft- and drug-related offenses.

In the days since the law took effect on Dec. 18, police and prosecutors throughout the state have wasted no time in implementing the changes. Suspects such as repeat shoplifters who have faced citations and prompt release with court dates upon arrest for the past decade are now finding themselves behind bars.

Both San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors announced their support for the measure. It was strongly opposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“These new charges can carry enhanced sentencing, as well as prevent offenders from being cite released prior to their court appearance,” according to a sheriff’s department statement.

San Bernardino County Prop. 36 arrests

The sheriff’s department has highlighted several recent theft-related arrests in which suspects are expected to see increased penalties under the terms of the new law.

On such arrest took place just after noon on Dec. 22 at a Victorville Home Depot store along Roy Rogers Drive, officials said.

Deputies received a report of a man who “had stolen over $10,000 in merchandise from the business,” according to a sheriff’s department statement. Store employees also recognized the man in connection with two other recent thefts earlier in the month.

A responding deputy quickly detained the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Daniel Palencia Moreno of Hesperia, who was booked on suspicion of burglary and petty theft, according to sheriff’s officials and county booking records.

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Another Prop. 36 arrest took place shortly before 2 p.m. on Dec. 23 at a PetSmart location along Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley.

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“Employees reported a subject had gained access to the business through a rear door and was stealing bags of dog food,” a sheriff’s department statement said.

Mark Anthony Huddleston, 56, of Apple Valley was booked on suspicion of commercial burglary and petty theft with two or more prior convictions for the same, records show.

An alleged serial thief was arrested about 9:20 p.m. on Dec. 23 at an Ulta Beauty store on Foothill Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga.

A deputy detained a woman caught concealing items inside a backpack, sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.

Angelina Herrera, 40, of San Bernardino -years-old, Resident of San Bernardino, was booked on suspicion of shoplifting with two or more prior convictions for the same, county jail records show. She also had pending cases related to burglary and felony vandalism charges.

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who declined to take a position on Prop. 36 prior to the vote, issued a bulletin to law enforcement agencies earlier this month outlining its implementation.

“Ultimately, our success in combating organized retail crime hinges on our ability to work together, innovate, and remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting our neighborhoods and businesses,” he said. “Let us harness the strength of our partnerships, the power of new legislation, and the collective resolve of our community to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone. My office is committed to fighting organized retail crime head on.”

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: San Bernardino County deputies making theft arrests under Prop. 36

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