An employee at a Target in Hesperia was arrested on embezzlement charges on April 17. While the 43-year-old woman was accused of stealing merchandise valued at more than $1,000, she was released not long after being booked. This was due to California’s zero-bail policy amid the COVID-19 epidemic.
Deputies responded to an embezzlement report at the Target located on Main Street in Hesperia at around 10:30 a.m. on April 17. The employee who was arrested had been working at the store since December of 2019, according to a spokesperson with the Hesperia Sheriff’s Department. After being booked at the High Desert Detention Center, the alleged offender was released from custody as her bail amount was set at 0$.
Currently, most individuals charged with misdemeanors or felonies in California have a set bail for no money. This is to stay in compliance with the Emergency Bail Schedule issued by the California Judicial Council. Some law enforcement agencies have complained about this issue, saying that people who have committed serious crimes and are a danger to the community are being released. The district attorney of San Bernardino County has spoken out against the Emergency Bail Schedule.
Despite the current zero-bail policy, many white-collar crimes can result in jail time and other legal consequences. That’s why anyone facing embezzlement charges may want to partner with an attorney as soon as possible. Legal counsel could fight charges and look out for the best interests of the client. Depending on the circumstances, the lawyer may petition to have a case thrown out or negotiate for lesser penalties.