Detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigations Division- Crimes Against Children Detail have been working with the Victor Valley Station since July of 2023 to investigate allegations of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and labor trafficking involving numerous juvenile victims.
Through the investigation, detectives were able to identify 44-year-old Rigoberto Latin of Phelan and 33-year-old Maria Hernandez of Phelan as the suspects. At the conclusion of the investigation, Latin and Hernandez were both arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto for several violations, including Human Trafficking, Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14 years with Force, Sexual Penetration by Foreign Object Under 14 years, False Imprisonment, and Prevent/Dissuade Witness/Victim by Threat/Force.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims and have released photographs of the suspects. If anyone has information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to contact Detective Wendy Winegar of the Specialized Investigations Division-Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
