DATE/TIME: Monday, August 4, 2025, at approximately 2:26 a.m.
INCIDENT: H&S 11395(b)(1): Possession of a Controlled Substance with Two Prior Convictions
LOCATION: 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, California
SUSPECT(S): Edward George Berry III, Resident of Yucca Valley, California
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 Monday, August 4, 2025, at approximately 2:26 a.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Morongo Basin Station, contacted Edward Berry at the Yucca Valley Community Park, located adjacent to the Yucca Valley Community Center.
During the contact, deputies observed Berry attempting to discard a glass pipe by throwing it to the ground. The pipe was consistent with drug paraphernalia and contained a white crystalline residue, suspected to be methamphetamine. Immediately thereafter, Berry was detained for possession of drug paraphernalia, in violation of Health and Safety Code §11364(a). A search incident to his arrest revealed a plastic baggie containing a white crystalline substance, also suspected to be methamphetamine, in Berry's pants pocket.
A records check revealed Berry had two prior convictions for HS §11377(a) — Possession of a Controlled Substance. Based on the revised criteria under Proposition 36, Berry was arrested for HS §11395(b)(1) – Possession of a Controlled Substance with Two Prior Convictions, now classified as a felony under the voter-approved statute.
Refer: Deputy O. Zavala
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 232501192
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
