Investigators arrested Hesperia High School’s head wrestling coach on suspicion of child molestation on Wednesday, law enforcement officials said.
Gene Richard Griffith III, 36, was taken into custody on the morning of May 6, according to San Bernardino County jail records. He was booked on suspicion of committing a lewd or lascivious act with a minor of 14 or 15 years old.
The investigation began Tuesday, May 5, when San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials received a report of inappropriate conduct, the agency said in a written statement.
“Detectives identified Hesperia High School wrestling coach Gene Richard Griffith III as the suspect,” the statement said.
Further details regarding the allegation were not released, including whether the alleged victim was a student.
“Detectives believe there may be additional victims,” the sheriff’s department statement added.
Hesperia Unified School District responds to arrest
Griffith was placed on leave, Superintendent Isaac Newman-Gomez said in a written statement.
“The Hesperia Unified School District was made aware of allegations involving inappropriate off campus conduct with a minor by a Hesperia High School employee,” he said. “Consistent with our safety protocols, the District took immediate action and turned the investigation over to the Hesperia Sheriff’s Department.”
He added that the district was fully cooperating with law enforcement officials.
“While we understand the community’s desire for details, HUSD cannot comment further on specific personnel matters or active law enforcement investigations to protect the integrity of the processes,” according to Newman-Gomez.
“HUSD is committed to supporting any students or staff members impacted by this news,” he added. “Our dedicated counseling and support teams are available to provide guidance and resources to ensure our campus environments remain focused on the well-being and learning of our students. We thank our community for their continued partnership as we work with law enforcement to maintain safety as one of our top priorities.”
Bail for Griffith was set at $30,000 pending legal proceedings, records show.
An arraignment hearing was scheduled Friday in the Victorville branch of San Bernardino County Superior Court.
Anyone with information can reach Detective Victoria Twardowski of the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904. Information may also be provided anonymously to the WeTip hotline at (844) 909-3096.
(This story has been updated with additional information.)
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Hesperia HS wrestling coach arrested in child molestation investigation
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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