Detectives seek more alleged sex abuse victims of Adelanto man

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is looking for more victims of a man who allegedly molested a girl for two years.

Gerardo Palestino, 64, was arrested at his Adelanto home on Saturday, one day after a girl reported to authorities that she had been molested by a relative for the past two years, the Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.

“During the investigation, Detective C. Bennington was able to corroborate the victim’s allegations,” the release added.

Palestino faces charges of orally copulating with a minor, continued sexual abuse of a child, lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14, and sexual penetration by force. The Sheriff’s Department also listed a charge of incest, though it was not reflected in jail records.

Palestino is being held at the High Desert Detention Center in lieu of $500,000 bail. He’s due to appear in Victorville Superior Court on Tuesday.

Investigators “have reason to believe there could be additional victims,” and anyone with information is asked to call Bennington at 760-552-6800.

To report information anonymously, call WeTip at 800-78CRIME or visit wetip.com.