COLTON, Calif. (VVNG.com) —A 47-year-old elementary school teacher in Colton has been arrested on multiple child sex abuse charges, and authorities are releasing his photo as they believe there may be additional victims.
Steve Paul Perry Popper, a teacher at Bemis Elementary School, was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, following an investigation by the department’s Specialized Investigations Division – Crimes Against Children Detail.
The investigation began October 8, 2025, after a cybertip alerted detectives to downloads of child sexual abuse material originating in Colton, according to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
During the investigation, detectives identified Popper as the suspect and uncovered evidence indicating sexual abuse involving multiple juvenile victims.
Popper was booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on charges of PC 288(b)(1) – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14 with Force/Duress, PC 288(a) – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14, and PC 311.11(c)(1) – Possession of Child Pornography. He is being held on $500,000 bail.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims and have released Popper’s booking photograph to the public. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have been victimized to contact Detective Jason Desario at (909) 890-4904. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Copyright 2026 Victor Valley News Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Note to readers: If you value our reporting and want to see it continue, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your contribution helps keep independent, local news accessible to everyone. Support local news today!
