A Southern California teacher was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing multiple children and authorities say there could be more victims.
On Oct. 8, detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigated a tip that child sexual abuse material had been downloaded in the county and that it had happened somewhere near the city of Colton, the sheriff’s department announced in a news release.
Detectives identified Bemis Elementary School teacher Steve Paul Perry Popper, 47, of Colton, as the suspect.
During the investigation, detectives found evidence of child sexual abuse involving at least four minors, according to the release. Officials didn’t specify what the evidence was or if the minors were students at his school.
Popper was placed on administrative leave once Rialto Unified School District officials learned about the allegation from the sheriff’s department, according to district spokesperson Syeda Jafri. The district then accepted his resignation.
“The District is deeply disturbed by these serious allegations and will always continue to ensure the safety of students as its main priority,” according to a district statement. “Human Resources is cooperating and continuing to work with law enforcement.”
Popper was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 using force or duress, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and possession of child pornography. He’s being held on $500,000 bail.
Detectives believe there may be more victims and are releasing Popper’s photograph in case more victims can come forward.
Anyone with more information on this incident or who has been victimized by Popper has been asked to contact San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Detective Jason Desario of the Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. People wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463 or through the website wetip.com.
