Latest news with #DrugAddiction
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
SoCal Law Enforcement Busts Massive Organized Retail Theft Operation
Southern California law enforcement officers have recovered a whopping $4 million in stolen merchandise from retailers like Target, Nordstrom and TJ Maxx in a massive, coordinated retail theft bust. Apparel, luxury handbags, beauty products, fragrances, over-the-counter medications and scented candles were among the heaps of loot seven thieves were charged with lifting from a total of 17 retail locations in Los Angeles and South Gate in February, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) and the county's Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF). More from Sourcing Journal 38 Attorneys General Urge Congress to Act on Retail Crime 45% of Shoppers Say They Support Using Tech to Curb Retail Crime Overhaul Projects 22% Increase in Cargo Theft Volumes in 2025 Ulta Beauty, CVS, Walgreens, Macy's and Bath & Body Works were among the retailers also victimized in the crime spree, LASD confirmed to Sourcing Journal. The recovered property will be returned to the stores, the department said. By collaborating with the impacted retailers, law enforcement was able to track the crimes and obtain a search warrant for multiple locations where the items were being held. The Sheriff's Information Bureau characterized those locations as 'retail' establishments. The suspects now in custody include 'boosters' who stole the goods, as well as 'fences'—other operators that typically unload the goods on online marketplaces, at swap meets, or at illicit retail locations. According to LASD and the ORCTF, a large amount of cash was also seized in the raid. The identities of the suspects have not been released, and officers did not indicate whether they were still seeking other suspects in the operation. Those that were arrested have been charged with organized retail theft, grand theft and receiving stolen property. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that it conducted its own sting at a retail location in the Westlake neighborhood near Downtown, L.A., unearthing $300,000 in stolen goods like sneakers, apparel, accessories and beauty products from stores like TJ Maxx, Target, Ross, CVS and Walgreens in a stockroom. The store's operator, who was not named, was arrested for the crime of receiving stolen property. These major takedowns come in the wake of recently passed retail crime legislation. California voters in November passed Prop. 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act by a margin of 70 percent. The new law walks back some provisions of Prop. 47, passed in 2014, which sought to address prison overcrowding by setting the felony threshold for shoplifting at $950. Now, petty theft or shoplifting with two prior theft-related convictions may be charged as a felony. Governor Gavin Newsom also signed a bundle of 11 retail theft bills into law last fall, which address issues like organized retail crime, the role of online marketplaces in fencing stolen goods, violent crimes like smash-and-grabs and the destruction of property.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
San Joaquin County DA taking aim at theft, drug offenders
Mar. 5—In nearly two months, San Joaquin County law enforcement officials have pursued more than 50 drug and theft cases under a new tough-on-crime state law. Since Proposition 36 went into effect in January, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said his office has pursued 33 felony theft cases and 22 felony drug cases. Freitas said the proposition, known as The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, reverses years of leniency and has empowered his office to hold repeat offenders accountable. "For too long, San Joaquin County has suffered under policies that emboldened criminals and left law-abiding citizens defenseless," he said. "With Proposition 36, we're taking back our streets, crime will once again be illegal in San Joaquin, and we are delivering justice to victims. I'm proud to lead this charge — because safety isn't negotiable, and criminals don't get a free pass anymore." The 33 theft cases include packaged retail thefts that were once classified as misdemeanors, while the 22 drug felony cases target repeat offenders. Erin Haight, spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office, said charges have been filed in 23 of the 33 theft cases, of which two stem from incidents in Lodi. In addition, charges have been filed in 21 of the 22 drug cases, eight of which stem from incidents in Lodi, she said. Details on the cases were not available. The proposition, which passed with 68% of the vote in November, increases penalties for certain drug and theft related offenses. It also designates a "treatment-mandated felony" for those who have received two prior drug offenses. Prop 36 also repealed 2014's Proposition 47, which reclassified crimes such as shoplifting, grand theft, forgery and drug use from felonies to misdemeanors. The measure was introduced to tackle prison overcrowding and reduce the number of individuals serving sentences for non-violent offenses. Last August, former San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti said crimes such as theft and shoplifting had increased dramatically across the state over the last 10 years. "Proposition 47 achieved notable success in making California's criminal justice system more equitable, but has also led to unintended consequences over the past decade including repeat and often organized retail theft, inner-city store closings, and difficulty convincing people to seek drug and mental health treatment," Patti said during a special board meeting. "Rampant retail theft is harming businesses and residents in California because those who commit these crimes know they'll get away with it, even if they are caught." According to the Legislative Analyst's Office, Prop 36 increases punishment for some theft and drug crimes. As an example, theft of items worth less than $950 was a misdemeanor under Prop 47. Now, a person will be charged with a felony if they have two or more past convictions for certain theft crimes such as shoplifting, burglary, or carjacking. They will serve as much three years in county jail or state prison. Felony sentences for theft or damage of property will now be increased by as much as three years if three or more people committed the crime together. In addition, sentences for selling certain drugs, such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, could be increased based on the amount sold. Under Prop 47, these sentences were served in county jail or state prison depending on the person's criminal history. Prop 36 generally requires these sentences be served in prison. It also allows people who possess illegal drugs to be charged with a "treatment-mandated felony," instead of a misdemeanor, in some cases. This would apply to people who possess certain drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine and have two or more past convictions for some drug crimes such as possessing or selling drugs. These people would generally get mental health or drug treatment, and would have charges dismissed if they complete a treatment program. Those who do not finish treatment could serve as much as three years in state prison. Information about which of the county's cases ordered someone to treatment was not available. In addition, the new law requires courts to warn people that they could be charged with murder if they sell or provide illegal drugs that kill someone. "To the deputies, officers, and investigators across San Joaquin County — thank you," Freitas said. "Your dedication to upholding the law and protecting our communities is the backbone of this success. Together, we're building a safer future."
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pizzulli introduces legislation to address unregulated recovery housing
Feb. 11—COLUMBUS — State Rep. Justin Pizzulli, R-Scioto County, introduced on Tuesday legislation to address Ohio's unregulated recovery housing industry. Pizzulli 's office said the bill will empower the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish a certificate of need program to assess and set the appropriate level of recovery housing in each Ohio region to ensure a fair distribution of services statewide. It will also allow local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services boards to inspect recovery housing facilities, investigate complaints and impose penalties on facilities that fail to comply with statewide standards. "Unfortunately, Ohio's recovery housing industry is currently operating without adequate oversight, creating a 'Wild West' environment and allowing bad actors to exploit the system," Pizzulli said. "By instituting strong local oversight, this legislation will help root out bad actors, protect vulnerable residents, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely." According to Mapping the Gap: An Assessment of Capacity, Cost-Benefits, and Disparities in Utilization in Ohio Recovery Housing, 21 Ohio counties lack any recovery housing, while 22 counties are running at over 100 percent capacity — some exceeding 500 percent capacity. Pizzulli encourages those who are interested in providing testimony on the bill during the committee process to contact his office at Rep90@ for more information. He also encourages those who have concerns about a recovery home in their area to complete the form found at
