Crime
Cabazon Infant Emmanuel Haro Presumed Dead, Parents Jake and Rebecca Haro Arrested
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Friday that the parents of a missing infant have been arrested on suspicion of murder following an intensive overnight investigation.
Jake Haro and Rebecca Renee Haro were taken into custody at their residence on Ramona Street in Cabazon, just south of Interstate 10.
Both have been booked into the Riverside County jail system without bail. Investigators stated they believe the couple’s infant son, Emmanuel, is deceased, and efforts are underway to locate and recover his remains.
The case began Thursday evening when Rebecca Haro contacted authorities, reporting that she had been assaulted outside a store in Yucaipa while changing her baby’s diaper.
She initially told deputies the attack rendered her unconscious, and that when she awoke, the baby had been kidnapped.
However, investigators later determined that her account contained inconsistencies. According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Department, Rebecca declined to continue cooperating with the interview, and evidence subsequently revealed that no kidnapping had occurred.
“Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed Emmanuel is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing,” the statement read.
Officials emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting that Jake Haro was already on probation for a prior child abuse case and out on bond for a separate firearm offense.
Sheriff’s officials described the circumstances as “tragic” and thanked partnering agencies, including the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the community and media, for their assistance in bringing attention to the case.
“The circumstances surrounding this investigation are tragic, and we will continue to search for Emmanuel,” Sheriff’s officials said in a public statement. “We trust our justice system will hold the parents accountable.”
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward as the search for Emmanuel continues.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.