APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 56-year-old Apple Valley man caught stealing dog food from a PetSmart now faces consequences of recently passed Prop 36.
On Monday, December 23, 2024, at about 1:50 pm, police were dispatched to a report of a burglary at the store located at 19011 Bear Valley Road in the town of Apple Valley.
According to sheriff’s officials, employees reported a subject had gained access to the business through a rear door and was stealing bags of dog food.
Deputies responded to the business and found the suspect, Mark Anthony Huddleston, near the business.
Huddleston was arrested and booked into High Desert Detention Center on charges of burglary and petty theft with prior convictions. Huddleston is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.
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.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy A. Trousas 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.
