Child Abuse Suspect Arrested 

January 21, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on December 10, 2025, investigators assigned to the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station began an investigation into allegations of child abuse reported to Child Protective Services, in which all children had been removed from the home.

During the investigation, it was determined that a minor who was placed in foster care at the home had been sexually assaulted by the caregiver. Investigators identified several additional victims who were also sexually assaulted. The suspect was identified as Sergio Avalos Perez, a 64-year-old resident of Desert Hot Springs.

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, personnel from the Palm Desert Station’s Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team responded to the 44000 block of Town Center Way, Palm Desert, where Perez was taken into custody without incident. Perez was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on several charges of sexual assault of a minor and is being held on a $2,000,000 bail.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Investigator Iniguez at the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station at 760-836-1600.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Jeff Cryder

File # O253490007

Sourced: Riverside County Sheriff's Office