DATE/TIME: Friday, January 31, 2025 / 8:33 pm
INCIDENT: PC 666.1(a) – Theft with Prior Convictions
LOCATION: Target, 19201 Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT(S): Felice Verdell Vargas-Cholewiak, 47-year-old female of Apple Valley
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 Friday, January 31, 2025, deputies were dispatched to a report of a theft at Target on Bear Valley Road in the Town of Apple Valley. Target Loss Prevention employees had detained a subject identified as Felice Verdell Vargas-Cholewiak.
Vargas-Cholewiak was arrested for petty theft with prior convictions and was booked into High Desert Detention Center. On Monday, February 3, 2025, Victorville District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges of petty theft with prior convictions. Vargas-Cholewiak remains in custody in lieu of $30,000 bail.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy T. Belvin 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 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. 182500575
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
