Rancho Mirage private school teacher charged with sexual abuse of teen, police believe there may be more victims
Update - 5/1/25
Stephen Spurlock worked as a guest teacher/certificated specialist in the Desert Sands Unified School District, officials confirmed to News Channel 3. This is before his tenure at Palm Valley School in Rancho Mirage.
Spurlock served continuously as a guest teacher/certificated specialist at DSUSD from August 2013 to June 2022, records show.
Spurlock was charged Thursday with 21 felony counts of sexual abuse, including 19 counts of rape. He is scheduled to be arraigned in court Friday in Rancho Cucamonga.
Original Report - 4/30/25
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – A teacher and coach from the Coachella Valley is under arrest, facing multiple felony charges for allegedly molesting a teenager for over two years.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Stephen Spurlock, 43, was taken into custody after a 911 call reporting ongoing abuse. Investigators say the victim was just 14 when the alleged molestation began.
Spurlock, who teaches and coaches at Palm Valley School, a private school in Rancho Mirage. School officials told News Channel 3 the incident did not involve a Palm Valley student, nor did it occur on school property.
Spurlock was arrested after detectives served a search warrant at his Yucca Valley home. Deputies say they recovered evidence linked to the case during the search. He faces several serious charges, including sodomy, lewd acts with a child, and continuous sexual abuse.
He is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
The sheriff’s department believes there may be additional victims in both San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at 760-366-4175.
Statement from Palm Valley School:
Yesterday afternoon, the Interim Head of School PVS was notified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office (Morongo Basin Station) that Stephen Spurlock, a Palm Valley School third grade teacher, was arrested in San Bernardino County and charged with sex against a child.
The Sheriff's office confirmed the incident did not involve a Palm Valley Student, nor did it occur on Palm Valley School property.
Stephen Spurlock was immediately placed on indefinite leave. In adherence to our commitment to child protection and accreditation standards, Palm Valley School maintains a stringent policy mandating background checks for all individuals working in proximity to students. We emphasize our steadfast dedication to the safety of children, and this commitment remains unwavering.
We extend our gratitude to law enforcement authorities for their diligence in this matter. The well-being and safety of our students are paramount. We are focused on supporting our students, families, faculty, and staff at this time. We will continue to take all necessary measures to support our community and cooperate with law enforcement.
Stay with New Channel 3 for any new developments.
