Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, December 25, 2024/ 9:36 AM

INCIDENT: PC 666.1 -Petty Theft with Priors, PC 488 -Petty Theft, PC 12022.65 -Acting in Concert with Two or More

LOCATION: 74000 block of Aladdin Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA, 92277 

SUSPECT(S): John Anthony Moore, 33-years-old, and Nancy Gonzalez, 51-years-old, both residents of Twentynine Palms 

VICTIM(S): Heather Schmidt, resident of Twentynine Palms


SUMMARY: On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36 titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” The proposition took effect on December 18, 2024, and reforms multiple laws from Proposition 47, which have been responsible for increasing homelessness, drug addiction and theft. Proposition 36 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies will be able to 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 following is an arrest where Proposition 36 is applied:

On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, deputies from the Morongo Basin Station arrested two individuals in connection with a porch theft that occurred in the city of Twentynine Palms. The incident began when deputies were dispatched to a residence near the 74000 block of Aladdin Drive, following a report of stolen packages.

At approximately 9:36 a.m., Heather Schmidt contacted the Sheriff's Department to report a male suspect stealing packages from her front porch, with the incident captured on surveillance video. Deputies responded to the scene and conducted an area check for the suspect.

During the search, deputies observed a gray Nissan Armada near Sunrise Drive and Araby Avenue that matched the description of a suspect vehicle. After the vehicle committed a traffic violation, deputies initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified as John Anthony Moore, matched the description provided by the reporting party. A search of the vehicle revealed stolen items, including a Gucci bracelet and a Jo Malone candle, confirmed to belong to Schmidt.

Further investigation led deputies to a second individual, Nancy Gonzalez, who was also determined to be involved in the theft. Both individuals were taken into custody at the scene.

The stolen property and both suspects were transported to the Morongo Basin Jail for booking. Moore was arrested for PC 666.1 -Petty Theft with Priors, PC 12022.65 -Acting in Concert with Two or More, and probation violations. Gonzalez was arrested for PC 488 -Petty Theft, PC12022.65 -Acting in Concert with Two or More, and probation violations. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review and filing.

Refer: Deputy Paramdeep Grewal

Station: Morongo Basin Station

Phone No. 760-366-4175

Case No. 202401852

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department