APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 65-year-old Placerville man, Steven Lowell Stafford, was arrested for petty theft on December 28, 2024, following an incident at The Gym, located at 20240 State Highway 18 in Apple Valley.
Stafford allegedly took merchandise from the business without payment and was seen exiting the gym. He then entered his vehicle and drove toward deputies who were already present in the parking lot. Deputy J. Chapdelaine responded to the scene, investigating the situation, which led to Stafford’s arrest.
In addition to the petty theft charge, Stafford was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant related to a prior case. He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center and held on $30,000 bail for the petty theft charge and $200,000 bail for the warrant.
This arrest comes shortly after the passage of Proposition 36, effective December 18, 2024. The proposition introduced several legal changes concerning theft-related offenses, including provisions that enhance penalties and prevent offenders from being released before their court appearances.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the investigation to contact Deputy J. Chapdelaine at the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can also contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or visit www.wetip.com.