A 28-year-old Indio resident, Francisco Silva Serna Jr., has been arrested on charges related to sexual assault of a minor. The arrest follows an investigation that began on September 19, 2025, after a School Resource Deputy from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station found a juvenile in possession of a marijuana/THC vape pen.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that the juvenile obtained the vape pen from an adult male she met through social media. Further inquiries revealed that the suspect had engaged in sexual relations with the minor. Deputies identified the suspect as Silva Serna Jr.
On December 3, 2025, deputies from both the Special Enforcement Team and Business District Team located Silva Serna Jr. near Highway 111 and Monroe Street in Indio and arrested him without incident. They later served a search warrant at a residence in the 46000 block of Monte Vista Drive connected to the case.
Silva Serna Jr. was transported and booked at John Benoit Detention Center for charges including sexual intercourse with a minor, oral copulation of a minor, and other child sexual assault offenses. He is being held on $1 million bail.
“This is an ongoing investigation, and no further details are available at this time,” according to authorities.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Deputy Luis Olivares at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863–8990 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP (7867).
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