Robert Stephano of Joshua Tree was arrested for several charges of sexual misconduct involving minors 
DATE/TIME: December 7, 2018
INCIDENT: Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a child between 14-15 years old
Communicating with a minor with the intent to commit a sex crime Arranging to meet with a minor to commit a sex crime
LOCATION: Numerous
SUSPECT: Robert Stephano, 44 years old, resident of Joshua Tree
VICTIM(S): Two identified victims – 14-year-old female & 17-year-old female
SUMMARY:
In May 2018, Investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Specialized Investigations Division, were contacted by the Morongo Basin Station regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and child molestation by Robert Stephano.
Detectives with the Specialized Investigations Division assumed the investigation as Stephano is a California Highway Patrol Officer. He has been employed with the California Highway Patrol for 12 years and assigned to the Morongo Basin Station.
Stephano was accused of soliciting underage victims for various sexual acts dating back to July 2010. Stephano volunteered as an assistant softball coach for a Morongo Basin recreational league, and assisted youth groups for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
On Friday, December 7, 2018, The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed charges of PC 288a(c)(1); Lewd and lascivious acts with a child between 14 and 15 years old, PC 288.3; Communicating with a minor with the intent to commit a sex crime and PC 288.4; Arranging to meet with a minor to commit a sex crime.
On Friday, December 7, 2018, Stephano was arrested in Twentynine Palms by the Sheriff’s Department Specialized Enforcement Detail and will be booked into custody at the Central Detention Center. His bail is set at $250,000.
Anyone with information regarding the case, or who has been solicited by Stephano, is encouraged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division, Detective James Tebbetts at (909)387-3589. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call 1-800-WeTip or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective James Tebbetts or Sergeant Ryan Smith
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. (909)387-3589
Case No. 601800095 H#2018-046
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700
