A Hesperia High School wrestling coach is at the center of a child sex-crimes investigation after authorities say he was taken into custody on suspicion of committing lewd and lascivious acts with a child. Detectives identified the suspect as 36-year-old Gene Richard Griffith III and confirmed he was booked into the county jail. Investigators say they suspect there could be additional victims as the case unfolds.
Investigation and arrest
According to NBC Los Angeles, detectives with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigations Division’s Crimes Against Children Detail launched their inquiry on Tuesday at about 4 p.m. The outlet reports that during the investigation, detectives identified Griffith as the suspect, arrested him the following day, and booked him on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child.
Where he’s being held
Officials say Griffith was booked into the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto, a San Bernardino County facility that houses inmates from the High Desert region. The jail is operated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, which also maintains an inmate-locator system where booking information is posted.
Investigators seek tips
Detectives say they believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Victoria Twardowski of the Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The investigation remains active, and authorities say they are continuing to follow up on leads.
What the charge means
Under California law, lewd or lascivious acts with a child fall under Penal Code 288 and are treated as felonies with specified prison terms and potential fines. The statute also allows for enhanced penalties when the alleged offender is in a caretaking role at a school or similar institution. The full language of the law is available in Penal Code 288.
Local pattern
Allegations involving coaches and school staff have surfaced across the Inland Empire in recent years. In November 2023, a Fontana softball coach cuffed on child-sex charges drew regional attention, and in April 2025, a Yucca Valley teacher arrested in continued abuse case was also charged in a separate incident.
We will update this story with court records, official statements from the Hesperia Unified School District or the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, and any new information from investigators. Anyone with tips is asked to call Detective Victoria Twardowski at (909) 890-4904.
