Suspect arrested in Indio after investigation of sexual assault on a minor
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - A months-long investigation into a juvenile found with a marijuana/THC vape pen has led to the arrest of an Indio man who is facing multiple charges of child sexual assault, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
The case began on September 19, 2025, when a School Resource Deputy from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station began an investigation of a juvenile in possession of a THC vape pen. During the investigation, deputies learned the juvenile had received the vape pen from an adult male she met through social media. Further investigation revealed evidence that the man had engaged in sexual relations with the juvenile victim, authorities said.
Deputies later identified the male suspect as Francisco Silva Serna Jr., 28, of Indio.
On December 3, 2025, members of the Thermal Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team and Business District Team located Silva Serna Jr. near Highway 111 and Monroe Street in Indio. He was taken into custody without incident.
Deputies then responded to a residence in the 46000 block of Monte Vista Drive, near Madison Street and Avenue 46 in Indio, and served a search warrant related to the investigation.
Silva Serna Jr. was later transported and booked at the John Benoit Detention Center, facing charges including sexual intercourse with a minor, oral copulation of a minor, and additional child sexual assault-related offenses. He is being held on $1 million bail, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff's Office says the investigation is ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Deputy Luis Olivares at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863–8990. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP (7867).
