DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 21, 2026, at 12:33 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 261.5(c) - Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor More Than Three Years Younger
PC 287(b)(1) - Oral Copulation by Force
PC 289(a)(1)(A) - Sexual Penetration of a Minor with a Foreign Object by Force
LOCATION: 73000 Block of Desert Trail Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA
SUSPECT(S): Steven Anthony Johnson, 30-year-old, Resident of Twentynine Palms
VICTIM(S): Confidential Minor
SUMMARY: Twentynine Palms Man Arrested Following Extensive Investigation into Alleged, Ongoing Sexual Abuse of Minor
Twentynine Palms, CA - On Wednesday, May 21, 2026, at approximately 12:33 a.m., Deputy Hernandez from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station arrested 30-year-old, Steven Anthony Johnson at his residence in Twentynine Palms. Johnson's arrest was the result of Deputy Hernandez' extensive investigation into the alleged ongoing sexual abuse of a minor.
During the investigation, Deputy Hernandez determined the alleged abuse began when the victim was 16-years-old. The separate incidents of sexual abuse occurred over a 2-year period. The alleged acts took place at multiple locations throughout the City of Twentynine Palms.
As a result of this complex investigation and evidence obtained, Deputy Hernandez authored a Ramey Warrant for Johnson’s arrest. Johnson was subsequently arrested and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail on charges of PC 261.5(c) - Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor More Than Three Years Younger, PC 287(b)(1) - Oral Copulation with a Minor, and PC 289(a)(1)(A) - Sexual Penetration of a Minor with a Foreign Object by Force. Johnson is currently being held in Sheriff's custody on $175,000 bail.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department takes crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of minors extremely seriously. Detectives and deputies remain committed to thoroughly investigating these cases, protecting victims, and holding offenders accountable.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at (760) 366-4175. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may submit information through We-Tip or text “REPORT” to (844) 909-3006.
Refer: Deputy E. Hernandez
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 202600724
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
