Last Updated: October 30, 2025
Steve Paul Perry Popper, a teacher at Bemis Elementary School in Rialto, California, has been arrested for alleged child sexual abuse and possession of child pornography. If your child attended Bemis Elementary or had contact with this teacher, you need to understand your legal rights.
Dordulian Law Group represents victims of teacher sexual abuse throughout San Bernardino County and California. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Rialto school abuse lawyer.
Teacher Arrested: Steve Paul Perry Popper, 47, of Colton
School: Bemis Elementary School, Rialto Unified School District
Charges: Child sexual abuse, lewd acts with minors under 14, child pornography possession
Victims: 4 confirmed, investigators believe more may exist
Bail: $500,000
What Parents Should Do: Contact authorities and consult with a San Bernardino school abuse attorney
If your child attended Bemis Elementary School, call (866) GO-SEE-SAM now for free legal consultation.
Steve Paul Perry Popper, a teacher at Bemis Elementary School in Rialto, was arrested October 29, 2025 by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The Investigation
The investigation began October 8, 2025 when detectives received a tip that someone in Colton had downloaded child sexual abuse material. Investigators identified Popper as the suspect.
During the investigation, detectives discovered evidence that Popper allegedly committed child sexual abuse against four young victims.
The Criminal Charges
Popper faces serious felony charges:
He is held on $500,000 bail at the San Bernardino County jail.
Additional Victims May Exist
Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. It’s unclear whether the four identified victims were students at Bemis Elementary School.
Report to authorities: Detective Jason Desario at 909-890-4904 or We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463
Consult with a lawyer: Call Dordulian Law Group at (866) GO-SEE-SAM
If your child was victimized by a teacher at Bemis Elementary School or any Rialto Unified School District school, you need an experienced San Bernardino County school abuse attorney.
Why Choose Dordulian Law Group as Your Rialto School Abuse Lawyer
Former Sex Crimes Prosecutor: Sam Dordulian spent 13 years prosecuting sex crimes with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
School Abuse Specialist: 17 years representing child sexual abuse victims in civil cases against schools and teachers
Proven Results: $500+ million recovered for sexual abuse survivors with 98% winning record
Trial Experience: Over 100 jury trial victories in sexual assault cases
San Bernardino County Experience: Representing victims throughout Rialto, San Bernardino, Colton, Fontana, and surrounding areas
Free Consultation: Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM 24/7 – no fees unless we win your case
Yes. Victims can sue both the individual teacher and Rialto Unified School District when the school failed to protect children.
When School Districts Are Liable for Teacher Sexual Abuse
Negligent Hiring:
Negligent Supervision:
Negligent Retention:
Failure to Report:
Cover-Ups:
A San Bernardino school abuse lawyer can investigate whether Rialto Unified School District failed to protect your child.
Victims of teacher sexual abuse at Bemis Elementary School may recover:
Economic Damages
Non-Economic Damages
Punitive Damages
California school sexual abuse settlements can range from $1 million to over $100 million depending on case specifics.
Call a Rialto school abuse lawyer at (866) GO-SEE-SAM to evaluate your case.
Dordulian Law Group’s Sexual Assault Justice Experts (SAJE) Team provides comprehensive support for Bemis Elementary victims:
Sam Dordulian or senior attorney handles your case with a team of dedicated sexual assault attorneys
Licensed and nationally-accredited advocates coordinate all case aspects and keep you informed
In-house therapist provides 24/7 trauma-informed therapy at no additional cost – critical for child victims
Retired LAPD sex crimes detective investigates Rialto Unified School District and uncovers institutional failures
This four-tiered approach is unique to Dordulian Law Group and ensures your child receives comprehensive support while we build the strongest possible case against the teacher and school district.
AB 218: Extended Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse
California’s AB 218 provides significant time to file lawsuits:
Filing Deadlines:
No Criminal Conviction Required: You can sue Rialto Unified School District even if criminal charges against Popper don’t result in conviction
Lower Burden of Proof: Civil cases require “more likely than not” instead of “beyond reasonable doubt”
Both Teacher AND School Can Be Sued: Hold all responsible parties accountable
Have a calm, private conversation. Ask open-ended questions like “How do you feel about Mr. Popper?” or “Did anything happen with Mr. Popper that made you uncomfortable?”
If you believe your child was victimized:
Contact Dordulian Law Group immediately at (866) GO-SEE-SAM:
Yes. If the school district negligently hired, supervised, or retained the teacher, failed to investigate complaints, or covered up abuse, you can hold them liable. A San Bernardino school abuse attorney can investigate the district’s failures.
Under California AB 218, victims can file until age 40 or within 5 years of discovering psychological injury. For recent abuse (after Jan 1, 2024), there’s no time limit. However, acting sooner preserves evidence. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM to discuss deadlines.
No. All child sexual abuse lawsuits use pseudonyms (Jane Doe/John Doe). Your child’s identity remains confidential throughout litigation.
Dordulian Law Group works on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs, no hourly fees, no out-of-pocket expenses.
Yes. Civil lawsuits against the teacher and Rialto Unified School District are separate from criminal prosecution and can proceed simultaneously.
Prior complaints strengthen your case significantly. A school abuse lawyer can obtain records through legal discovery showing what Rialto Unified School District knew and when they knew it.
Most cases take 1-3 years from filing to resolution. Complex cases involving cover-ups may take longer. Over 95% settle before trial.
Most cases settle before trial. If trial is necessary, we thoroughly prepare children and use trauma-informed approaches to minimize stress.
Yes. If Popper taught at other schools or had contact with students outside Bemis Elementary, those victims can also file claims. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM if your child had any contact with Popper.
Economic damages (therapy, medical, educational costs), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, PTSD, emotional distress), and punitive damages. Cases typically range from $1 million to over $100 million. A San Bernardino school abuse lawyer can evaluate your specific case.
Evidence Preservation
Protecting Your Child
Helping Other Victims
Statute of Limitations
While AB 218 extends deadlines and AB 452 removes deadlines, acting now protects your rights and strengthens your case.
Free Consultation for Bemis Elementary Victims
If your child attended Bemis Elementary School, had contact with Steve Paul Perry Popper, or experienced abuse at any San Bernardino County school, contact Dordulian Law Group now.
Call 24/7: (866) GO-SEE-SAM ((866) GO-SEE-SAM)
What to Expect During Your Free Consultation:
Why Choose Dordulian Law Group as Your San Bernardino School Abuse Attorney
✓ Former Prosecutor: 13 years prosecuting sex crimes in Los Angeles County
✓ School Abuse Specialist: 17 years suing school districts for failing to protect children
✓ Proven Results: $500+ million recovered, 98% winning record
✓ Trial Ready: 100+ jury trial victories
✓ SAJE Team: Four-tiered support including in-house therapist
✓ San Bernardino County Experience: Representing Rialto, San Bernardino, Colton, Fontana victims
✓ No Fees Unless We Win: Zero upfront costs
✓ Privacy Protected: Your child’s identity remains confidential
Serving San Bernardino County Communities
Dordulian Law Group represents school sexual abuse victims throughout:
And all San Bernardino County communities
Bemis Elementary School failed to protect your child. Rialto Unified School District must be held accountable.
We Believe You. We Fight for You. We Win for You.
Dordulian Law Group’s Rialto school abuse lawyers stand with victims:
Your child deserves justice. Your family deserves answers. The school district deserves accountability.
Call Now: (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Don’t wait. Evidence fades. Deadlines exist. Other children may be at risk.
Free consultation available 24/7 for Bemis Elementary School victims and their families.
Additional Resources
Report Suspected Abuse:
Support Resources:
Legal Help for School Sexual Abuse Victims:
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