Suspect Arrested for Sexual Assault of a Minor 

August 30, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in June 2026, deputies and investigators assigned to the Colorado River Station began an investigation into allegations of sexual assault of a minor. During the investigation, the suspect was identified as Lino Hernandez, a 41-year-old resident of Mesa Verde. Investigators also learned that Hernandez served as pastor at churches in the Blythe and Indio area.

On August 12, 2026, investigators, with the assistance of patrol deputies, served a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence, located in the 18000 block of Cottonwood Drive in Blythe. Hernandez was located and taken into custody without incident. He was later booked into the Blythe Jail for multiple sexual assault charges. This investigation is active and ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Colorado River Station Investigator Guimont at (760) 921-7900.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Bryan Berryman

File # A261540014

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office