DATE/TIME: April 29, 2026, at 8:18 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 288(a) - Lewd and Lascivious Act on a Minor
PC 288.5(a) - Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
PC 289(a)(1)(b) - Sexual Penetration by Object Upon Child Under 14 by Force or Fear
PC 288(c)(1) - Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor Aged 14 or 15 when the Perpetrator is at Least 10 Years Older than the Child
LOCATION: 57000 Block of Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley
SUSPECT: Freeland Douglas Johnson, 44-year-old Male, Resident of Yucca Valley
VICTIM(S): Confidential Female Minor
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at approximately 8:18 p.m., Freeland Douglas Johnson was arrested following an extensive investigation into the ongoing sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 14. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy E. Hernandez from the Morongo Station arrested Johnson at the 57000 block of Twentynine Palms Hwy., in Yucca Valley.
Deputy Hernandez determined Johnson was known to the victim and the alleged abuse began when she was 12 years old. The investigation revealed multiple incidents of sexual abuse occurring over time at various locations across the Morongo Basin, including residences in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms.
Charges against Johnson include PC 288(a) - Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a Minor - PC 288.5(a) - Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child - PC 289(1)(a)(B) - Sexual Penetration by Object Upon a Child Under 14 by Force or Fear - and PC 288(c)(1) - Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor Aged 14 or 15 When the Suspect is at Least 10 Years Older than the Victim.
Child and Family Services also responded and conducted an independent investigation into the circumstances.
Johnson was booked at the West Valley Detention Center and is currently being held on $300,000 bail.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366 -4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may submit a We-Tip at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites or text “REPORT” to (844) 909-3006.
Refer: Deputy E. Hernandez
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 092501640
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
