Hesperia High School Wrestling Coach Arrested In Child Lewd Acts Investigation

HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Detectives with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Hesperia High School wrestling coach on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a child following an investigation by the department’s Specialized Investigations Division.

According to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, detectives with the Crimes Against Children Detail began investigating a report of lewd and lascivious acts involving a child on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Investigators identified 36-year-old Gene Richard Griffith III, of Hesperia, as the suspect. Authorities said Griffith is a wrestling coach at Hesperia High School.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, detectives arrested Griffith at the conclusion of the investigation. He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center for violation of Penal Code 288(c)(1) — Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child.

Sheriff’s officials said detectives believe there may be additional victims and released Griffith’s booking photograph as part of the ongoing investigation.

In a statement released by the Hesperia Unified School District, officials said the district became aware of allegations involving “inappropriate off campus conduct with a minor” involving a Hesperia High School employee and immediately notified law enforcement.

“Consistent with our safety protocols, the District took immediate action and turned the investigation over to the Hesperia Sheriff’s Department,” the district stated. “An arrest has been made, and the suspect has been placed on leave.”

According to the statement, HUSD is cooperating fully with law enforcement and cannot comment further on specific personnel matters or active investigations “to protect the integrity of the processes.”

District officials also said counseling and support teams are available for students and staff impacted by the investigation.

“HUSD is committed to supporting any students or staff members impacted by this news,” the statement said. “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.”

Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Detective Victoria Twardowski of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, at (909) 890-4904.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip by calling or texting “REPORT” to 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at We-Tip Online Reporting.

(Editor’s Note: This article was updated to include a statement released by the Hesperia Unified School District regarding the investigation and the district’s response.)

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