Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Friday, April 6, 2018 / 6:00 p.m.

INCIDENT: PC 647.6; Annoying or Molesting a Child Under 18
PC 647(j)(2); Invasion of Privacy

LOCATION: Riverside Preparatory Middle School

VICTIMS: #1 - 13-year-old female
#2 - 13-year-old female

SUSPECT: John Martin Sheldon, 27 years old, resident of Helendale, CA.

SUMMARY:

On Friday, April 6, 2018, a student at Riverside Preparatory Middle School approached a school administrator and reported observing an employee, John Martin Sheldon, taking a photograph or video of a student under a classroom desk. Upon further investigation, it was determined that in early February of 2018 there was a similar incident involving Sheldon taking inappropriate photographs of female students during school hours.

John Martin Sheldon is employed with the Oro Grande Unified School District as a teacher at Riverside Preparatory Middle School in Oro Grande.

School administrators reported the inappropriate conduct to the Victor Valley Station. Detectives from the Specialized Investigations Divisions, Crimes Against Children Detail assisted with the investigation and several minors were interviewed regarding the allegation of inappropriate conduct.

On Friday, April 6, 2018, Sheldon was arrested for Annoying or Molesting a Child under 18 and Invasion of Privacy. He was booked at High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are releasing Sheldon’s booking photograph. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Specialized Investigation Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, Detective Lisa Guerra (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).


Refer: Detective Lisa Guerra, Crimes Against Children Detail
Station: Specialized Investigation Division
Case No. DR# 071801100
Phone No. (909) 387-3615

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department