On Sunday afternoon, deputies in Victorville arrested a man, Elmer Daniel Palencia Moreno, for stealing over $10,000 in merchandise from a local Home Depot, a crime that has now made him subject to California's new Proposition 36 charges, which voters passed last month aimed at tackling issues of theft, homelessness, and drug addiction, as reported by the SBSD Victorville Police Department.
The incident, taking place at 15655 Roy Rogers Drive, was not Moreno's first run-in with the law. He was recognized by Home Depot Asset Protection from a previous theft in Apple Valley and identified in connection to two other thefts at the Victorville location this past December, according to a statement released by the SBSD Victorville Police Department.
Moreno, a 26-year-old Hesperia resident, was booked at High Desert Detention Center on charges including grand theft, burglary, and petty theft, as per the Victorville Police Department. In addition, he had two outstanding warrants, these new charges under Proposition 36 could potentially lead to enhanced sentencing and prevent offenders like Moreno from being cited and released before their court appearance, this shift marks a significant change from the previous Proposition 47 which was criticized for increasing homelessness and drug addiction alongside theft.
The authorities are actively seeking information and have encouraged anyone with knowledge of the case to contact the Victorville Police Station or Sheriff's Dispatch, anonymous tips can also be submitted to the We-Tip hotline or through their website.
