DATE/TIME: November 20, 2024, at approximately 7:34 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 311.4(a)- Production of child pornography
PC 311.2(a)- Sending obscene matter to minor
PC 287(b)(1)- Oral copulation of a minor
PC 261.5(c)- Unlawful sex with a minor
PC 459- Burglary
LOCATION: 12800 block of Calle Amapola, Desert Hot Springs
SUSPECT(S): Dakota Lessnau, 31-year-old male resident of Desert Hot Springs
VICTIM(S): Confidential Minor
SUMMARY: On Sunday, October 20, 2024, deputies assigned to the Morongo Basin Station initiated an investigation into unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor that occurred in Yucca Valley.
Through investigation, it was determined Dakota Lessnau committed several offenses against the minor victim. Multiple warrants were authored and approved, including an arrest warrant for Lessnau and a search warrant for his residence.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 7:34 a.m., deputies served the search warrant on Lessnau's residence. During the search warrant deputies located a rifle with an extended magazine, suppressor, drugs, and possible evidence related to the sex crime. Lessnau was not at the location but was located by detectives in the city of Palm Springs. He was placed under arrest and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, without bail, on the above charges.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Tyler A. Bengard of the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com
Refer: Deputy E. McKee and/or Detective Tyler A. Bengard
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 232401795
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
