Local Man Arrested After Decade of Alleged Abuse of Foster Children
Riverside County Man Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse Over Decade
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — A lengthy investigation into child abuse claims culminated in the arrest of 57-year-old Napoleon Cerda, who is accused of molesting two children in his care for approximately ten years, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
The inquiry began in February 2026, led by investigators at the Perris Sheriff’s Station in conjunction with the Department of Public Social Services. Evidence indicated that Cerda, who served as a foster and adoptive father, allegedly subjected the children to a series of sexual assaults during the decade.
On March 6, authorities apprehended Cerda in the 30000 block of Auld Road. He is currently detained at the Coys Byrd Detention Center, facing multiple felony charges, including lewd acts with a child.
Details about the ages of the victims when the alleged abuse began remain confidential, as do specifics regarding the locations of the incidents, in order to protect the parties involved. While investigators suspect there may be additional victims, no new leads have been confirmed beyond the two initial cases.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward.
