HESPERIA, CA — Two residents of Hesperia were arrested on November 12th, 2025, in connection with an investigation into the extensive injuries sustained by an eight-year-old male. The individuals, identified as Denise Althoff, 26, and Elias Heinrich Dickson, 38, both Hesperia residents, were booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.
The investigation began on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after an injured eight-year-old male was transported to a local hospital. Detectives and deputies from the Victorville and Hesperia Sheriff’s Stations initially responded to the call for service. Due to the nature of the juvenile’s extensive injuries, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division – Crimes Against Children Detail assumed control of the investigation.
At the conclusion of their inquiry, detectives identified Althoff and Dickson as the suspects in the case. Both individuals were subsequently arrested for a violation of Penal Code 206, Torture. Their bail has been set at $1,000,000.
Authorities stated that based on their current information, they do not believe there are any additional victims related to this specific incident. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is encouraging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Deputy Robert Sanchez of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 495-7018. Information can also be provided anonymously via the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or through the We-Tip website.
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