Southern California woman faces increased charges with Prop 36 now in effect

A burglary suspect with prior 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 a theft in progress call at the Ulta Beauty location in the 12000 block of Foothill Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga.

The suspect, later identified as Angelina Herrera, 40, 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 property.

Herrera, who authorities said has “an extensive criminal history, including prior theft convictions,” was booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

The sheriff’s department said Proposition 36, titled the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, includes several new criminal and health and safety codes that deputies can enforce during arrests when appropriate .

“These new charges can lead to increased sentences as well as prevent offenders from being cited and released prior to their court appearance,” the Sheriff’s Department said.

Herrera was arrested on suspicion of trespassing Criminal Code 666.1which allows shoplifting to be prosecuted 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 faces up to one year in county jail.

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