A 64-year-old man from Desert Hot Springs was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a foster child, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said.
Sergio Avalos Perez was taken into custody on Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the 44-000 block of Town Center Way in Palm Desert.
The investigation began Dec. 10, 2025 after allegations of child abuse were reported to child protective services, Sgt. Jeff Cryder said in a press release. All children were removed from the home as the investigation unfolded.
“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,” Cryder said.
The investigation also led to the identification of several additional victims of sexual assault.
Perez was booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio on multiple charges of sexual assault of a minor and is being held on a $2 million bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Larson Justice Center.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and urged anyone with information to contact Investigator Arnoldo Iñiguez at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760-836-1600.
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Desert Hot Springs man suspected of sexually abusing foster child
Reporting by Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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