On Thursday, September 14, 2023, at approximately 2:00 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Station conducted a welfare check on an RV near Cascade Road in the open desert of Joshua Tree.
According to the Sheriff’s press release – deputies found a 7 year old boy living in deplorable conditions. The Sheriff says the RV was in disarray with trash, insects, and a non-functioning refrigerator with mold and standing water. They say there were multiple health and safetly concerns at the location that were likely to casue great harm or bodilt injury to the victim.
Detectives issued a search warrant for the location and arrested, Chad Pressman, 41, and Lotte Kassies, 36, for Child Neglect and Endangerment. Both suspects are Joshua Tree residents.
Pressman was transported and booked at West Valley Detention Center, with a bail set at $60,000.
Kassies was interviewed and released on scene, with a report to be sent to the District Attorney’s Office. The San Bernardino County Children and Family Services responded and took custody of the victim.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com.
