An Adelanto man is facing serious charges after being accused of multiple sexual offenses against a minor. The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department reported that Gerardo Palestino, a 64-year-old resident of the 18300 block of Montezuma Street, was arrested at his home earlier this month following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse.
On August 17, 2024, at 1:32 a.m., detectives had been contacted by a female juvenile who claimed Palestino, a male relative, had molested her over the past two years, according to the report. Detective C. Bennington corroborated the victim's allegations during the investigation, leading to Palestino's apprehension without incident.
Charges against Palestino include oral copulation on a person under 18 years of age, continued sexual abuse of a child, lewd and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14, sexual penetration by force, and incest. Following his arrest, Palestino was booked at the High Desert Detention Center and is being held in place on $500,000.00 bail.
The investigation is presently ongoing and authorities are open to the possibility of additional victims. The Sheriff's announcement urges anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Bennington at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station. In a push for community support and potential tips, there's also an invitation for individuals to reach out to We-Tip anonymously at their hotline or via their website. This information was published on the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner's Department's official Nixle page.
The Sheriff's station encourages the public to help ensure justice and safety for all potential victims. For further assistance, the Victor Valley station can be contacted at 760-552-6845, referencing case number 242401639.
