HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Two Hesperia residents were arrested for the torture of an 8-year-old boy who was hospitalized with severe injuries.
On November 6, 2025, deputies from the Victorville and Hesperia sheriff’s stations responded to a local hospital following a report of an injured child, according to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Due to the nature of the injuries, detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division – Crimes Against Children Detail assumed the case.
Through the investigation, detectives identified the suspects as 26-year-old Denise Leann Althoff and 38-year-old Elias Heinrich Dickson, both residents of Hesperia.
Following the investigation, both suspects were arrested at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Headquarters on 655 E. Third Street in San Bernardino and booked into the Central Detention Center for PC 206 – Torture. Bail for each was set at $1,000,000.
According to booking logs, both Althoff and Dickson are charged with PC206 – Torture, PC236 – False Imprisonment, and PC664/187(A) – Attempted Murder. They are scheduled to appear in Victorville Superior Court on November 18, 2025, in Department V9 and are each being held without bail.
Dickson also has two unrelated pending misdemeanor cases, including charges for DUI, obstructing a public officer, battery on emergency personnel, and trespassing to obstruct a business operation.
Detectives believe there are no additional victims.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact Deputy Robert Sanchez of the Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 495-7018. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information at wetip.com.
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