Two suspects thought Walmart’s “rollback prices” meant rolling out without paying. Irvine police officers quickly ended their illegal “shopping spree,” recovering the stolen items and adding new charges to their cart.
One suspect tried to run through a Taco Bell’s drive-thru but he didn’t make it too far as seen in the video below.
Manuel Soto Melendez, 38, from Santa Ana, was arrested for shoplifting, resisting arrest, and possessing heroin.
Maria Estela Nunez, 39, from Santa Ana, was arrested for shoplifting.
Under California’s updated laws—particularly Proposition 36, which took effect in December 2024—the penalties for the crimes committed by Manuel Soto Melendez and Maria Estela Nunez can be summarized as follows:
Maria Estela Nunez – Shoplifting
- First-time or non-repeat offenders: Shoplifting items valued under $950 is typically a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines and/or probation
- Repeat offenders (with two prior theft convictions): Can now be charged with a felony, even if the stolen items are under $950.
- Felony shoplifting can result in up to 3 years in state prison.
Manuel Soto Melendez – Shoplifting, Resisting Arrest, Possessing Heroin
- Shoplifting: Same as above—misdemeanor or felony depending on prior convictions.
- Resisting Arrest:
- Typically a misdemeanor under Penal Code §148(a)(1)
- Punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and/or fines
- Possession of Heroin:
- If it’s a first or second offense, it may be treated as a misdemeanor
- With two or more prior drug convictions, it becomes a “treatment-mandated felony”
- Courts may require participation in a drug treatment program
- Failure to complete treatment could result in up to 3 years in state prison
Summary
- Maria may face misdemeanor charges unless she has prior theft convictions.
- Manuel faces multiple charges, and if he has prior convictions, he could be looking at felony-level penalties, including mandatory treatment or prison time.