DATE/TIME: Saturday, December 28, 2024 / 12:57 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 666.1(a)(1) - Petty Theft with Prior Convictions
LOCATION: The Gym, 20240 State Highway 18, Apple Valley
SUSPECT(S): Steven Lowell Stafford, 65-year-old male of Placerville
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 Saturday, December 28, 2024, Apple Valley Police were dispatched to a report of a male subject taking merchandise from The Gym and leaving the business without paying. The suspect exited the business, got into a vehicle and drove directly to deputies who were in the parking lot.
Deputy J. Chapdelaine investigated the allegations, which led to the arrest of Steven Lowell Stafford. Stafford was arrested and booked into High Desert Detention Center on charges of petty theft with prior convictions. A systems check revealed Stafford had an outstanding arrest warrant from a previous case and he was booked on that warrant as well. Stafford is currently being held in lieu of $30,000 bail for the petty theft and $200,000 bail for his warrant.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy J. Chapdelaine with Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Pamela Hoffman
Station: Apple Valley
Phone No: (760) 240-7428
Case No. 182406505
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
