Following a theft at a store in Petaluma on Thursday, two suspects were taken into custody, and one is being charged under California’s recently passed Prop 36 law, which imposes harsher penalties on repeat offenders, according to authorities.
The incident occurred at a shop on the unit block of E. Washington Street shortly after 5 p.m., according to a press statement issued by Petaluma police on Thursday. After dispatchers got a call from the company reporting that two individuals had stolen a cart full of goods and run away, officers arrived.
According to the police, a witness was able to provide a license plate number and informed the investigators that the suspects had escaped in a car.
Officers were able to identify a possible hiding place for the suspects during the investigation, and they eventually found a house where they were trying to find them. They were determined to be Petaluma residents Dylan Beck, 29, and Hanna Frederickson, 32.
Beck and Frederickson were arrested by officers after they were contacted at their residence. Frederickson was on felony probation, according to the police, while Beck was currently on parole and had at least two previous theft convictions. According to authorities, the stolen goods from the firm were found during a search of the residence.
Beck is charged with stealing under Prop 36, which has a maximum sentence of three years in jail or prison for those who have been convicted twice for the same conduct, such as shoplifting and petty theft. In addition, he faces conspiracy and parole violation charges.
Frederickson is accused of conspiracy, theft of less than $950, and felony probation violation. At the Sonoma County Jail, both were booked.
Voters decisively approved Proposition 36 in November, which amends California law to permit felony prosecution of repeat drug and theft offenders and heavier sentences in state prisons rather than county jails.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.