A Desert Hot Springs man has been taken into police custody following a series of alleged sex crimes perpetrated against a minor. Dakota Lessnau, 31, finds himself facing a litany of serious charges which include producing child pornography, sending obscene material to a minor, oral copulation of a minor, unlawful sex with a minor, and burglary, as reported by the SBSD Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, working from the Morongo Basin Station initiated the investigation on October 20. Deputies launched their inquiry after receiving reports concerning unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor in the area of Yucca Valley, as detailed in a public release by the Sheriff's Department. The investigation quickly singled out Lessnau as the suspect, leading to the authorization of multiple warrants including one for his arrest.
Law enforcement officials executed the search warrant on the morning of November 20, at Lessnau's residence located on the 12800 block of Calle Amapola. The search of the premises resulted in the discovery of a rifle equipped with an extended magazine and a suppressor, illegal drugs, and what is believed to be evidence related to the sex crimes in question, as per the Sheriff's Department. Lessnau was not present during the raid but was subsequently located and arrested by detectives in Palm Springs.
Following his arrest, Lessnau was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail where he is being held without the possibility of bail. As the Sheriff's Department continues its investigation, they encourage anyone with further information to reach out to Detective Tyler A. Bengard at (760) 366-4175. An option for anonymous tips is also available through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or its website, where concerned individuals may leave information.
