Hesperia Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography, Weapons and Drug Lab

Staff Writer

Thursday, April 19th, 2018

HESPERIA – A Hesperia man was arrested for the possession of child pornography, drug possession, a stolen firearm, and a drug laboratory in a home that he shared with his minor children on Wednesday.

The San Bernardino County Internet Crimes Against Children Team received two related Cyber-Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). As a result, warrants went out to suspect’s online storage provider, email provider, the wireless phone carrier and the internet service provider (ISP). All of the information was provided to the San Bernardino County Internet Crimes Against Children Team by March 2018, with the final response coming from the ISP in the beginning of April 2018. Information received led to a home in the 8400 of Eleventh Avenue in the City of Hesperia and the suspect being identified as Stephen Higgins, 47. Various law enforcement databases and techniques positively identified Higgins as the person who uploaded the child pornography and verified his home address.

Detectives from Specialized Investigations Division – Crimes Against Children Detail (CACD), detectives and deputies from the Hesperia Station, and personnel from the Sheriff’s Department Specialized Enforcement Division (SED) assisted with the service of the search warrant at Higgins’ home shortly before noon on Wednesday. During the search and investigation, it was confirmed that Higgins did possess child pornography. The search resulted in the recovery of a stolen rifle, a handgun, and over 2000 rounds of ammunition. Also found at the home was a drug lab. Deputies called detectives from the Sheriff’s Department Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) responded to process the lab.

The Department of Children and Family Services also responded to handle the minors who lived in the home. Higgins was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for Possession of Child Pornography, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Manufacture of Drugs. He is being held on $500,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear at the Victorville Superior Court on Friday afternoon.

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