DATE/TIME: November 25, 2025, - December 11, 2025
INCIDENT: PC 243.4 Sexual Battery
PC 647.6 Annoy/Molest a Minor
LOCATION: Town of Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S): Mark L. Wilkes, 65-year-old male, resident of Yucca Valley
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to the 56000 block of Twentynine Palms Highway, in Yucca Valley regarding a sexual assault. The 18-year-old victim reported he was walking behind a local business when he was approached by the suspect, a white male driving a black truck. After a brief verbal exchange, the victim was sexually assaulted by the male.
On December 10, 2025, deputies responded to the 7500 block of Kickapoo Trail. The 16-year-old victim reported he was inside a nearby business when he was approached by a white male. The suspect initiated a sexually explicit and inappropriate conversation with the 16-year-old victim.
Morongo Basin Station detectives investigated both incidents. Based on their expedient investigation into the suspect’s identity, they were able to identify and link the same suspect in both incidents. Detectives identified the suspect as Mark Wilkes, a 65-year-old resident of Yucca Valley. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Wilkes for the charge of PC 243.4 - Sexual Battery and also obtained a search warrant for his Yucca Valley residence.
Detectives continued their investigation and on December 11, 2025, they located and arrested Wilkes without incident. During their subsequent search of Wilkes’ residence, detectives located additional evidence. Wilkes was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for PC 243.4 Sexual Battery, with a bail amount set at $250,000.00.
Utilizing recently implemented FLOCK technology, detectives were able to identify Wilkes’ vehicles, which have traveled through the Morongo Basin and in the low desert of Riverside County.
Detectives believe Wilkes may have assaulted additional victims in the Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley and are releasing his photograph. A photograph of the vehicles are also being released. Any additional victims are urged to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station to report the crime.
Persons with information related to this investigation are asked to contact Detective Ables of 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 S. Ables
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 232501898 / 232501985
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
