-Editorial
The Brawley Police Department responded to a shoplifting incident at Walmart, located at 250 Wildcat Drive, on January 1, 2025. Walmart Security reported the theft in progress and provided a description of the suspect, later identified as Elijah Perez of Niland.
A Brawley officer located Perez walking on Wildcat Drive and detained him based on the description provided. Walmart Security positively identified Perez, who was accused of stealing items valued under $950. Although such thefts are typically misdemeanors, recent changes in the law escalated the charges due to Perez’s criminal history.
Perez, who has two prior theft convictions—one for shoplifting and another for grand theft—was charged with felony shoplifting under California Penal Code 666.1(a)(1), as permitted by the newly enacted Proposition 36. If convicted, Perez faces 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail.
On January 2, 2025, Perez was arraigned on the felony shoplifting charge and remains in custody with bail set at $10,000.
This case marks the first time the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office has applied Proposition 36, which aims to impose stricter penalties on repeat theft offenders. The District Attorney’s Office plans to prosecute these cases aggressively and is developing a Retail Theft Initiative to address theft crimes countywide.
The pilot program for the Retail Theft Initiative is set to launch soon at the Calexico Walmart, with additional details to be announced in the coming weeks.
