DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 1:22 p.m.
INCIDENT: HS 11395(b)(1) - Felony Possession of Hard Drug with Two or More Prior Convictions
LOCATION: 61380 Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree CA 92252
SUSPECT(S): Brett Terrence Taylor, 57-year-old resident of Joshua Tree
VICTIM(S): The People of the 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 Saturday, July 5, 2025, at approximately 1:22 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station observed an individual, later determined to be Brett Taylor, loitering in front of the Sam's Market liquor store at 61380 Twentynine Palms Highway in Joshua Tree. Deputies contacted Taylor, and he was found to have four outstanding warrants for his arrest for various theft and drug-related offenses. Taylor was also in possession of suspected methamphetamine and a glass pipe.
Taylor was taken into custody for his outstanding warrants and possession of a controlled substance with two or more convictions. He was booked at the Morongo Basin Jail and transferred to West Valley Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of $340,000 bail.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station at 760-366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy E. OrtegaTorres
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 092500991
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
