DATE/TIME: Thursday, February 11, 2025/ 08:33 AM
INCIDENT: H&S 11395(b)(1), Possession of a Controlled Substance with Two Prior Convictions
LOCATION: 57333 Joshua Lane, Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S): Ernest Valenzuela, 65-years-old, resident of Yucca Valley
VICTIM(S): State of California
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 Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Deputy Scot Schoolmeester responded to a report of an unwanted individual at the Indian Canyon Post Acute Care Center. At approximately 8:33 AM, Schoolmeester arrived and made contact with 65-year-old Ernest Valenzuela. Facility staff reported Valenzuela was on the premises and was demanding transportation to a doctor's appointment. While speaking with Valenzuela, Schoolmeester noticed a clear plastic bag protruding from his sock, which contained suspected methamphetamine.
Valenzuela was arrested and transported to the Morongo Basin Jail, where he was booked on charges of H&S 11395(b)(1) -Possession of a Controlled Substance, having two prior convictions.
The suspected methamphetamine was collected as evidence and submitted for analysis. The case has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Refer: Deputy Scot Schoolmeester
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 232500220
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
