Teacher Arrested for Child Sex Crimes after Investigators Receive a Cyber tip
COLTON, CA – On October 8, 2025, detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, initiated an investigation following a cybertip report regarding the download of suspected child sexual abuse material originating in the Colton area. Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Steve Paul Perry Popper, a 47-year-old resident of Colton and teacher at Bemis Elementary School, as the primary suspect.
Detectives obtained evidence indicating alleged sexual abuse involving multiple juvenile victims. Following their investigation, Popper was taken into custody on October 29, 2025, and booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. He was arrested on charges of PC 288(b)(1) – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14 with Force or Duress, PC 288(a) – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14, and PC 311.11(c)(1) – Possession of Child Pornography. His bail was set at $500,000.
Authorities have identified four juvenile victims and are continuing to investigate the possibility of additional victims. The Sheriff’s Department has released Popper’s booking photograph to assist in the investigation. Individuals with information related to the case or who believe they may have been victimized are encouraged to contact Detective Jason Desario of the Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com
