A man who allegedly shoplifted goods worth more than $460 will be the first in San Francisco to face harsher penalties under a tough-on-crime ballot measure.
Jason Barber, 29, accused of stealing cough and cold medications as well as ice cream from a Walgreens in Noe Valley, was to be charged under Proposition 36, which reclassified certain misdemeanor offenses as felonies, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office said Friday.
Barber qualifies under the law approved by voters in November because he has at least two prior convictions. His record shows seven prior theft related convictions, prosecutors said.
“My office has been working closely with law enforcement and retailers to address retail theft and now thanks to the voters we have new tools available to graduate consequences and ensure that those who repeatedly break our laws are held accountable,” District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a press release.
On Tuesday, Christmas Eve, Barber allegedly put several items into a bag he was carrying and exited the store in the 1300 block of Castro Street without paying, prosecutors said.
Police located Barber at a Muni stop a few blocks away with the stolen merchandise and pepper spray, which as a convicted felon he is not allowed to possess.
Although charges have been filed, the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.
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