Pastor accused of sexually assaulting a minor, served at churches in the Indio and Blythe area
BLYTHE, Calif. (KESQ) – A pastor who has served at churches in the Indio and Blythe area was arrested on Wednesday after allegations of sexually assaulting a minor, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Lino Hernandez, 41, of Mesa Verde, was taken into custody at his residence in Blythe.
He has been booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio and faces multiple sexual assault charges. Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, according to jail records.
The investigation dates back to June 2026, the agency reported. Additional details were not available as of Thursday evening.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Colorado River Station Master Investigator Morelock or Investigator Pfholman at (760) 921-7900.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.
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