Desert Hot Springs Resident Arrested on Online Child Exploitation Charges Following Search Warrant Execution
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA – On June 16, 2026, detectives and patrol officers from the Desert Hot Springs Police Department executed a search warrant in the 9500 block of San Rafael Drive. The operation was part of an investigation into online child exploitation conducted by detectives assigned to the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET).
Law enforcement initiated the investigation into 35-year-old Ian Whitney of Desert Hot Springs after receiving information that he was allegedly possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material online.
Following the investigation, Whitney was arrested and booked into a Riverside County jail, where he remains held without bail. He faces multiple felony charges, including possession of child sexual abuse material, possession of more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material, and arranging a meeting with a minor for the purpose of sexual gratification.
The Desert Hot Springs Police Department and RCCET collaborated on the operation, which represents ongoing local and county efforts to investigate crimes involving the exploitation of minors.
