EspañolSteve Popper, Teacher at Bemis Elementary School in Rialto, Charged With Possessing Child Pornography and Child Sexual Abuse of Four Juveniles
RIALTO, CALIFORNIA (November 1, 2025) – Bemis Elementary School teacher Steve Popper has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly sexually abusing children.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that they received an online tip on October 8. The tip claimed that Steve Popper downloaded child pornography.
He was arrested a few weeks later. During his arrest, detectives allegedly uncovered evidence that he sexually abused at least four juveniles.
Steve Popper is currently being held on a $500,000 bail. Detectives remain concerned that there may be additional victims.
They are encouraging the public to reach out to them.
Liability for San Bernardino County Child Sexual Abuse
Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from foreseeable sources of harm. They must supervise students at all points of the day and strictly enforce all rules and regulations necessary for their protection. If a school has actual or constructive notice that a teacher poses a risk of harm to students, they must take action. Failing to take action could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many ways that a school may have failed to protect students from sexual abuse.
- Negligent Hiring: A school may fail to perform an adequate background check. It is also possible that they ignored red flags, such as previous complaints or criminal allegations.
- Inadequate Training: A school may fail to train teachers to recognize grooming and other boundary violations. Schools may not set up reporting protocols or otherwise discourage staff from reporting suspicious behavior.
- Institutional Failures: A school may fail to ensure compliance with all child safety laws.
Teachers are considered mandated reporters under the law. They must report all reasonably suspected instances of child abuse. But in far too many instances, this does not take place. Concerning behavior may not get reported. Schools may fail to properly investigate concerning behavior if it is reported. When a school district is negligent and a child is sexually abused, family members of the victims can seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Steps to Take After San Bernardino County Child Sexual Abuse
Teachers are held in high regard. Unfortunately, many teachers use their position of trust to engage in child sexual abuse. According to Psychology Today, “Most perpetrators were teachers (63.4 percent) or coaches/gym teachers (19.7 percent). Most perpetrators were male (89.1 percent). The majority of those who experienced educator sexual misconduct were female (72 percent), and in high school at the time, they experienced sexual misconduct.” It is important that certain actions be taken after any instance of sexual abuse involving a schoolteacher.
- Police Report: The police should be informed of the abuse so that they can begin an official investigation and potentially prepare criminal charges.
- School Records: All school records related to the perpetrator should be carefully reviewed. By the time any teacher is arrested for sexual abuse, there were likely several complaints made against them.
- Evidence Preservation: All evidence related to the abuse should be preserved. This will include any communication between the perpetrator and the victim.
- Legal Support: Any person who is sexually abused by a school teacher should seek the guidance of an experienced teacher sexual abuse attorney.
Sexual abuse claims are a critical component of holding abusers and school districts accountable. They also act as a strong deterrent for additional abuse. School districts will virtually never accept responsibility when a teacher abuses a student. This is where a sexual abuse attorney can be of great help. They can pursue a civil claim against the school district on your behalf.
Investigating San Bernardino County Teacher Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations against Steve Popper. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that the school district will take additional measures to safeguard the well-being of students.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse at Bemis Elementary School? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that victims of abuse are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to support you. You can contact us anytime at 626-799-9375.
