Latest news with #Prop36
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
California looters now face 'hard-charging' consequences after blue state abandoned soft-on-crime approach
Amid the continuing unrest and flash mob-style looting incidents in Los Angeles, California is making a significant pivot toward tougher criminal enforcement. Criminal defense attorney David Wohl told Fox News Digital that the legal consequences are no longer a slap on the wrist for looters following the reversal of Proposition 47, which notably did not criminalize theft under $950. "Now we have a very conservative, hard-charging DA in Los Angeles," Wohl said. "He's adding up what is stolen by each individual co-defendant, and if that's over $950, everybody's getting charged with felonies." In a city once known for turning a blind eye to petty theft and soft prosecution, looters who are taking advantage of protests over federal immigration operations now face stricter penalties. California's Soros-backed Progressive Experiment Collapses After A Decade In 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47, a ballot initiative that reclassified several nonviolent felonies, including shoplifting, theft and drug possession, as misdemeanors if the value involved was $950 or less. Read On The Fox News App Supporters argued the measure would reduce prison overcrowding and redirect state funds to additional programming. Critics argued that it contributed to a noticeable increase in retail theft and emboldened looters. In 2024, voters voiced their concerns and overwhelmingly chose a sharp course correction from the progressive reforms that Proposition 47 implemented and voted in favor of Proposition 36. Prop 36 restored the ability to file felony charges against repeat offenders, regardless of whether their latest crime falls under the $950 limit. It also enhances penalties for group theft and organized looting, which had previously fallen into legal gray zones under Prop 47. The shift stems from a growing rejection of the previous criminal justice model championed by former District Attorney George Gascon, who Wohl described as "more liberal than a lot of public defenders." Under Gascon's leadership, prosecution was often delayed or diminished, with an emphasis on giving offenders "second, third, fourth, fifth chances," Wohl said. Los Angeles Officials Still On 'Progressive Warpath' Despite Overwhelming Voter Rebuke Of Leftist Policies William Jacobson, a law professor at Cornell University and founder of offered a sharp critique of California's criminal justice policies in light of the emergence of looters during the ongoing L.A. protests against immigration enforcement. "Looting and violence have always been illegal, even in California," Jacobson told Fox News Digital. "Unfortunately, California's lax enforcement of the criminal laws, including the former decriminalization of shoplifting, has created a culture of criminality that has played out in numerous riots over the years." "The current riots against immigration enforcement and violence targeting both ICE and the community are part of the California political ecosystem," he said. Several stores across downtown Los Angeles were hit by looters in the early morning hours as anti-ICE riots continued. On Monday night, looters took to the streets and ransacked a series of storefronts, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed with Fox News Digital. Apple and Adidas were among the stores hit by thieves, as well as several mom-and-pop shops. "What have they done to my business? I don't know," one local business owner shared with Fox News affiliate KKTV. "I have to go inside and see what's going on. I don't know what they have done with the business." WATCH: One video, taken by Brendan Gutenschwager, captured looters ransacking an Apple storefront on Monday night. The video captured a slew of individuals dashing up to the technology storefront and grabbing goods before dispersing as police arrived. The footage captured the store's glass windows spray-painted with "F--- ICE." Other photos showed ransackers disappearing into the night with stolen goods after a smash-and-grab in Compton, a city south of Los Angeles. It was unclear if the thieves were participating in the ongoing anti-ICE protests or if they were being opportunistic of the city's unrest. "Let me be clear: ANYONE who vandalized Downtown or looted stores does not care about our immigrant communities," Mayor Karen Bass said in a post to X. "You will be held accountable." On Tuesday and Wednesday, after continued protests, other businesses set out to protect their stores. Fox News Digital saw a T-Mobile store on the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway boarding up ahead of likely another night of protests in the city. While a security guard protected the property, a repairer worked on the CVS store on the corner of 7th and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles after several nights of rioting. Attorney General Pam Bondi offered a blunt message to would-be robbers and looters in the deep-blue city on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday. "If you loot a business in California during this, we're charging you with robbery under the Hobbs Act. No longer are the days of non-prosecution for looting. It's a criminal act," she said. The administration is also determined to crack down on those who inflict harm on law enforcement. "We've all made over 190 arrests, [and] more [are] coming. If you hit a police officer, you assault a police officer, state or federal, we are coming after you."Original article source: California looters now face 'hard-charging' consequences after blue state abandoned soft-on-crime approach
New York Post
12-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
California looters now face ‘hard-charging' consequences after blue state abandoned soft-on-crime approach
Amid the continuing unrest and flash mob-style looting incidents in Los Angeles, California is making a significant pivot toward tougher criminal enforcement. Criminal defense attorney David Wohl told Fox News Digital that the legal consequences are no longer a slap on the wrist for looters following the reversal of Proposition 47, which notably did not criminalize theft under $950. Advertisement 'Now we have a very conservative, hard-charging DA in Los Angeles,' Wohl said. 'He's adding up what is stolen by each individual co-defendant, and if that's over $950, everybody's getting charged with felonies.' In a city once known for turning a blind eye to petty theft and soft prosecution, looters who are taking advantage of protests over federal immigration operations now face stricter penalties. In 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47, a ballot initiative that reclassified several nonviolent felonies, including shoplifting, theft and drug possession, as misdemeanors if the value involved was $950 or less. Supporters argued the measure would reduce prison overcrowding and redirect state funds to additional programming. Advertisement 8 Vulgar graffiti was spray-painted onto an Apple store after it was looted during the riots in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025. REUTERS 8 Protesters loot a gas station convenience store in Paramount, California on June 7, 2025. Getty Images Critics argued that it contributed to a noticeable increase in retail theft and emboldened looters. In 2024, voters voiced their concerns and overwhelmingly chose a sharp course correction from the progressive reforms that Proposition 47 implemented and voted in favor of Proposition 36. Advertisement Prop 36 restored the ability to file felony charges against repeat offenders, regardless of whether their latest crime falls under the $950 limit. It also enhances penalties for group theft and organized looting, which had previously fallen into legal gray zones under Prop 47. 8 Police officers detain a group of protesters in the streets of Los Angeles on June 11, 2025. AFP via Getty Images The shift stems from a growing rejection of the previous criminal justice model championed by former District Attorney George Gascon, who Wohl described as 'more liberal than a lot of public defenders.' Advertisement Under Gascon's leadership, prosecution was often delayed or diminished, with an emphasis on giving offenders 'second, third, fourth, fifth chances,' Wohl said. William Jacobson, a law professor at Cornell University and founder of offered a sharp critique of California's criminal justice policies in light of the emergence of looters during the ongoing L.A. protests against immigration enforcement. 8 Graffiti is sprayed onto the glass windows of an Apple store hit by looters during the Anti-ICE riots in California. REUTERS 8 Apple products are scattered around a store that was looted during the Los Angeles riots on June 9, 2025. REUTERS 'Looting and violence have always been illegal, even in California,' Jacobson told Fox News Digital. 'Unfortunately, California's lax enforcement of the criminal laws, including the former decriminalization of shoplifting, has created a culture of criminality that has played out in numerous riots over the years.' 'The current riots against immigration enforcement and violence targeting both ICE and the community are part of the California political ecosystem,' he said. Looters in LA Several stores across downtown Los Angeles were hit by looters in the early morning hours as anti-ICE riots continued. On Monday night, looters took to the streets and ransacked a series of storefronts, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed with Fox News Digital. Apple and Adidas were among the stores hit by thieves, as well as several mom-and-pop shops. Advertisement 'What have they done to my business? I don't know,' one local business owner shared with Fox News affiliate KKTV. 'I have to go inside and see what's going on. I don't know what they have done with the business.' 8 A shoe sits on the floor in an empty Adidas store attacked by looters in Los Angeles. ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 8 Workers board up a CVS pharmacy after it was looted by rioters in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025. REUTERS One video, taken by Brendan Gutenschwager, captured looters ransacking an Apple storefront on Monday night. Advertisement The video captured a slew of individuals dashing up to the technology storefront and grabbing goods before dispersing as police arrived. The footage captured the store's glass windows spray-painted with 'F— ICE.' Other photos showed ransackers disappearing into the night with stolen goods after a smash-and-grab in Compton, a city south of Los Angeles. It was unclear if the thieves were participating in the ongoing anti-ICE protests or if they were being opportunistic of the city's unrest. Advertisement 'Let me be clear: ANYONE who vandalized Downtown or looted stores does not care about our immigrant communities,' Mayor Karen Bass said in a post to X. 'You will be held accountable.' On Tuesday and Wednesday, after continued protests, other businesses set out to protect their stores. Fox News Digital saw a T-Mobile store on the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway boarding up ahead of likely another night of protests in the city. While a security guard protected the property, a repairer worked on the CVS store on the corner of 7th and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles after several nights of rioting. Attorney General Pam Bondi offered a blunt message to would-be robbers and looters in the deep-blue city on 'Fox & Friends' Tuesday. Advertisement 'If you loot a business in California during this, we're charging you with robbery under the Hobbs Act. No longer are the days of non-prosecution for looting. It's a criminal act,' she said. 8 Police officers detained masked protesters after a demonstration near Los Angeles City Hall on June 11, 2025. AFP via Getty Images The administration is also determined to crack down on those who inflict harm on law enforcement. 'We've all made over 190 arrests, [and] more [are] coming. If you hit a police officer, you assault a police officer, state or federal, we are coming after you.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Three arrested after probation officers find meth, firearms in Lincoln St home
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Three people were arrested on Tuesday after a search of a home on Lincoln Street led to the discovery of drugs and weapons, according to the Kern County Probation Department. On June 3, probation officers conducted a home call in the 1400 block of Lincoln Street, according to officials. During the search of the home, officers found about 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a loaded improvised 12-gauge shotgun frame and barrel, a loaded .38 special single shot pistol, a .22 caliber revolver, several rounds and U.S. currency. Bakersfield man on probation arrested on suspicion of drug sales under Prop 36 Juvenal Alva, 36, was on active felony probation, officials said. Alva was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, possessing ammunition by a prohibited person, resisting an officer by force, possessing a controlled substance for sale and other drug-related charges. The probation department said Alva also had an active felony warrant. Ramiro Vasquez, 47, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance for sale and an active felony warrant. Rogelio Alba, 39, was arrested on suspicion of resisting officers and possessing a nunchaku, the department said. All three suspects were taken into custody after a brief resistance to the arrest, according to officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Serial shoplifter robbed same store 16 straight times: SFPD
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A serial shoplifter accused of robbing the same store 16 times between October of last year to May 2025 was nabbed by detectives, the San Francisco Police Department announced on Tuesday. Arrest in 'unprovoked' back-to-back assaults at SF Fort Mason Park SFPD said Neil Peck (aka Kevin Peck), 51, was arrested on May 25 for burglary and attempted grand theft at a retail store on the 700 block of Mission Street. Police said an 'astute' officer figured out that Peck was involved in dozens of other thefts at that same location and quickly alerted investigators. Police did not disclose the exact retail store. 'SFPD DART (Defend Against Retail Theft) investigators began investigating Peck for the prior theft incidents and determined that he was the suspect in 16 additional chargeable cases from October 7, 2024, to May 22, 2025,' said police. 'The total loss for the incidents totaled nearly $8,000.' Peck faces several felony and misdemeanor charges, including petty theft, commercial burglary, grand theft and shoplifting, said San Francisco police. Due to voters passing Proposition 36 in December 2024, Peck's petty theft crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felony since he has several prior theft convictions, SFPD confirmed. Wine theft led to felony charge under Prop 36 Despite an arrest in the case, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, starting the message with 'SFPD.' SFPD said its Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Task Force also assisted in the probe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Ending the cycle': Los Angeles DA touts success of new state law cracking down on ‘smash-and-grab' offenders
Like many major cities, Los Angeles is not immune to crime — but incidents of store theft have increased in recent years. Crosstown LA, citing LAPD data, says that in 2023, there were 11,945 reported cases of shoplifting in the city, compared to 6,585 the year before. There's been a notable uptick in 'smash-and-grab' robberies, where a criminal smashes a window, grabs items on display, and makes a run for it. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) But now, California lawmakers are cracking down on theft with a new set of guidelines outlined in Proposition 36. And so far, it seems to be having good results. Proposition 36, or Prop 36, enacts new laws for drug and theft offenses. It went into effect on Dec. 18, 2024, and states that theft-related crimes can be charged as a felony, a more serious offense with harsher consequences, or a misdemeanor, a more minor offense. One major change under Prop 36 is that prosecutors can combine the value of various thefts to arrive at a felony charge for criminals. Prior to Prop 36, theft in the amount of $950 or less allowed criminals to receive a minor penalty that, as the bill said, was basically the equivalent of a traffic ticket. That allowed thieves to effectively steal an unlimited amount of goods with minimal punishment as long as each individual theft did not exceed $950. Now that Prop 36 is in effect, the value of a string of thefts can be combined for a greater charge. To put it another way, a $500 theft and a $1,000 theft by the same person can be combined to exceed the $950 mark so the crime can be treated more seriously. This means serial criminals could face harsher consequences for their actions. The goal, of course, is not just to punish criminals, but to deter them from theft in the first place. As NBC4 Los Angeles reported, LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman says Prop 36 is working. "Since Dec. 18, we have had over a thousand Proposition 36 arrests for thieves alone," he said. His hope is that the threat of harsher penalties will serve as a warning to potential criminals. "Our goal is not to fill our prisons with these thieves," Hochman said. "If anything, that will be the failure of our efforts. Our goal is to deter these criminals from committing these crimes in the first place, thus saving a whole lot of victims." Jawad Ursani owns the 7-Eleven in the 8500 block of West Olympic Boulevard and has been the victim of theft on multiple occasions. "Communities have been targeted repeatedly by same individuals coming back over and over knowing that there were no real consequences," Ursani told NBC4 reporters. "My store was targeted not once, but twice, by a smash-and-grab by about over 50 teenagers and a repeat shoplifter who is now detained and will be held accountable by this DA's office as we speak." Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) says that since Prop 36 went into effect, prosecutors have filed "thousands of new felony drug and theft charges." During the second half of February, prosecutors filed around 1,500 theft cases with felony charges, the PPIC says, citing data from the Judicial Council of California. Findings from Sicuro Data Analytics, meanwhile, tell a different story — during the first 90 days since Prop 36 went into effect, there were 3,500 theft cases filed. All told, the PPIC says that Prop 36 felony cases comprise 10% to 15% of the 15,000 or so felony cases filed statewide in a typical month. Hochman is pleased with the impact of Prop 36 on LA. In a mid-May statement, he said, 'Ending the cycle of catch-and-release that sent serial retail thieves back on the streets to reoffend is a top priority." LA businesses are also being supplied with decals warning criminals that those who steal will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Of course, this begs the question: Will more states implement harsher penalties for theft? The Council on Criminal Justice says that between 2019 and 2023, New York and LA had the biggest increases in shoplifting across major cities at 64% and 61%, respectively. On a broad level, the rate of shoplifting incidents across major cities fell between January of 2018 and June of 2023. But that doesn't mean it's not a problem. The National Retail Federation says that in 2023, there was a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents compared to 2019. There was also a 90% increase in dollar loss from shoplifting in that same timeframe. Cracking down on theft is something lawmakers should therefore consider on a more national scale to protect business owners and consumers alike. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
