DATE/TIME: April 5, 2022, at 01:24 a.m.
INCIDENT: Registered Sex Offender Arrested for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Oral Copulation with a Minor
LOCATION: 6400 block of Athol Avenue, Twentynine Palms, California
SUSPECT(S): Zhataviyus Lord, 28-year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, California
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: On April 3, 2022, deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to a report of sexual abuse to a minor in Twentynine Palms. Deputies learned the suspect engaged in sexual intercourse and oral copulation with the victim. The suspect identified himself to the victim as "Z" or "Zee" and said he was 23-years-old. Investigators conducted interviews, collected evidence, and identified the suspect to be Zhataviyus Lord. Records revealed Lord is a 28-year-old, registered sex offender.
On April 4, 2022, an arrest warrant was issued for Lord for violation of PC 261.5 - Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and PC 287(b)(1) - Oral Copulation; Under 18.
On April 5, 2022, deputies located, arrested, and booked Zhataviyus Lord at the Morongo Basin jail. Lord is currently being held on $500,000 bail.
Based on the facts and circumstances surrounding this case, it is believed there may be additional victims in the area. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department-Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.
Refer: Detective T. Gates
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 202200488
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
