DATE/TIME: December 18, 2024, at 9:44 p.m.
INCIDENT: HS 11395 Possession of Drugs w/ Prior Convictions
LOCATION: Foothill Drive/Del Rosa Lane, San Bernardino
SUSPECT(S): Julio Garza, 45-year-old male, resident of San Bernardino
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36, also known as "The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act." Proposition 36 is to reform laws that have dramatically increased homelessness, drug addiction, and theft throughout California. Under Proposition 36, a new class of crime called treatment-mandated felony was created. This allows prosecutors to have the discretion to charge a felony for drug possession after two previous convictions for drug related charges. The defendant will be given the option of participating in drug and mental health treatment in lieu of any custodial sentence. Additionally, a defendant with two prior theft related convictions can be charged with a felony regardless of the value of the stolen property. Proposition 36 went into effect on December 18, 2024.
Since Proposition 36 went into effect, detectives and deputies assigned to the Central Station Detective Bureau have conducted proactive enforcement in Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, and unincorporated area of San Bernardino to combat thefts.
On December 18, 2024, at approximately 9:44 p.m., Deputy K. Cannon conducted a traffic stop in the area of Foothill Drive and Del Rosa Avenue in San Bernardino for various traffic violations. The driver, Julio Garza, a 45-year-old resident of San Bernardino, was in possession of suspected heroin. Garza has two previous convictions for drug related offenses and was arrested for HS 11395 Drug Possession with Two Prior Convictions. He was booked at the Central Detention Center.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Kwantee Cannon at (909)387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy Kwantee Cannon
Station: Central Station
Phone No. (909) 387-3545
Case No. DR 012402775
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
