A man who served as a pastor at churches in the Riverside County area was arrested after investigators began looking into allegations that he sexually assaulted a minor.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Lino Hernandez, 41, of Mesa Verde. Detectives began investigating Hernandez in June 2026 after receiving allegations involving a minor victim.
During the investigation, authorities also learned that Hernandez had served as a pastor at churches in the Blythe and Indio areas.
On Aug. 12, deputies served a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence in the 18000 block of Cottonwood Drive, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Hernandez was taken into custody and booked on multiple sexual assault charges.
The arrest came after detectives spent several weeks investigating the allegations and gathering information related to the case.
Authorities have not publicly released additional details about the allegations, including the age of the minor, the circumstances surrounding the alleged assaults, or how Hernandez allegedly knew the victim.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active.
“This investigation is active and ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time,” the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said.
The department also said detectives believe there could be additional victims who have not yet contacted investigators.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
According to authorities, the case began with allegations reported in June and eventually led investigators to obtain a search warrant for Hernandez’s residence.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said deputies executed that warrant Aug. 12 and arrested Hernandez on multiple sexual assault charges.
Investigators' belief that there may be additional victims suggests detectives are continuing to examine whether the alleged conduct involved other individuals, although authorities have not provided evidence publicly establishing additional offenses.
The fact that Hernandez served as a pastor is also part of the investigation's public context. However, authorities have not said that any church was involved in the alleged conduct or that the allegations occurred at a church.
The sheriff’s office has not released information about what evidence was recovered during the search of Hernandez’s home.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The case raises questions about whether other people may have information that could help investigators determine the full scope of the allegations.
Because Hernandez reportedly served as a pastor in the Blythe and Indio areas, investigators are asking anyone with relevant information to contact authorities. The request could be particularly important if other potential victims or witnesses have information that has not previously been reported.
At the same time, the investigation remains in its early stages from a public-information standpoint. Authorities have released few details about the underlying allegations, and an arrest does not establish that the charges are true.
A skeptical view is that the limited information currently available makes it impossible to independently determine exactly what happened, how many incidents are alleged, or whether additional victims exist. The sheriff’s office has said investigators believe there may be more victims, but that remains an investigative possibility rather than a confirmed finding. Hernandez is accused of wrongdoing and is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Detectives are expected to continue investigating the allegations and reviewing information obtained during the investigation and search of Hernandez’s residence.
Authorities may also interview additional witnesses or potential victims as they work to determine whether other incidents should be investigated.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has not announced whether additional charges will be filed.
The department said the investigation is “active and ongoing” and that no further information would be released at this time.
Anyone who has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact Investigator Morelock or Investigator Pfholman at 760-921-7900.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- What specifically led investigators to begin investigating Hernandez in June?
- How old was the minor involved in the allegations?
- Where did the alleged sexual assaults occur?
- How many incidents are being investigated?
- What evidence was recovered during the search of Hernandez’s residence?
- Are there additional victims or witnesses?
- Will prosecutors file additional charges?
- Were any churches or other organizations connected to the alleged conduct?