Shasta County Authorities Make Arrest in Child Sex Abuse Investigation
SHASTA LAKE, CA — “On Saturday, August 1, 2026, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Shasta County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 3800 block of La Mesa Court in the City of Shasta Lake regarding a reported sexual assault of a child.
Deputies learned that 56-year-old Bradley Robert Hewitt of Shasta Lake was suspected of sexually abusing a 13-year-old child over several years. Hewitt left the immediate area before deputies arrived and was believed to be somewhere on the property. Hewitt was not initially located.
During the investigation, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Hewitt for the following offenses:
287(c)(1) PC — Oral copulation with a person under 14 years of age
288(a) PC — Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age
288.5(a) PC — Continuous sexual abuse of a child
On Sunday, August 2, at approximately 2:08 a.m., deputies received information that Hewitt had returned to the residence. Deputies responded and located Hewitt, who was arrested.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) assumed responsibility for the case and conducted additional investigation.
Based on information developed during that investigation, additional criminal charges will be submitted to the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office. MCU detectives also requested an enhancement of Hewitt’s bail. The request was granted, and Hewitt’s bail was set at $1,000,000.
Hewitt’s arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the Shasta County Superior Court.
Anyone with information concerning this investigation or potential additional victims are encouraged to contact the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.”
