A shoplifting suspect with past theft convictions is facing possible felony charges after California’s Proposition 36 was implemented last week, authorities said.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies responded Monday to the theft in progress call at the Ulta Beauty location on the 12000 block of Foothill Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga.
The suspect, later identified as 40-year-old Angelina Herrera of San Bernardino, was “inside the store concealing items in a backpack,” the Sheriff’s Department said.
She was later contacted by deputies who determined she was in possession of stolen items.
Herrera, who authorities said has “an extensive criminal history including convictions for prior thefts,” was booked at West Valley Detention Center.
The Sheriff’s Department said that Proposition 36, titled the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies can apply during arrests when appropriate.
“These new charges can carry enhanced sentencing, as well as prevent offenders from being cite released prior to their court appearance,” the Sheriff’s Department stated.
Herrera was booked on suspicion of violating Penal Code 666.1, which allows for the prosecution of shoplifting as a felony or misdemeanor if the defendant has two or more prior convictions regardless of the amount of the alleged theft.
If convicted again, the offender can face up to one year in the county jail.
