Crime
Father Jake Haro confessed: Body of Cabazon Infant Emmanuel Haro Not Found
MORENO VALLEY, Calif. — Search for Infant Emmanuel Haro Continues After Father’s Confession; Parents in Custody on Murder Charges.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Sunday that investigators conducted a search along the westbound shoulder of the 60 Freeway near Gilman Springs Road in Moreno Valley as part of efforts to locate the remains of missing infant Emmanuel Haro.
The search, which involved detectives and specially trained cadaver dogs, came after the child’s father, Jake Haro, allegedly confessed and led authorities to the area. Haro was present with investigators during the search.
Despite extensive efforts, Emmanuel’s body has not been located, and authorities have emphasized this point to the public to avoid the spread of misinformation.
The Sheriff’s Department reiterated: “Baby Emmanuel has not been found.”
Earlier in the day, video circulated online showing Haro with investigators along the freeway. Reports on social media incorrectly claimed the infant had been discovered in the Badlands area. Officials have since clarified that while the search has been conducted, the recovery effort remains ongoing.
The case took a tragic turn overnight when both Jake Haro and his wife, Rebecca Renee Haro, were arrested on suspicion of murder at their home on Ramona Street in Cabazon, just south of Interstate 10. Both remain booked without bail in the Riverside County jail system.
Authorities say the investigation began Thursday evening after Rebecca Haro reported she had been assaulted while changing Emmanuel’s diaper outside a Yucaipa store, claiming she lost consciousness and awoke to find her baby kidnapped. Detectives later determined the account contained significant inconsistencies. Rebecca ultimately refused to continue cooperating, and investigators concluded that no kidnapping had taken place.
“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 Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
Officials also confirmed that Jake Haro was already on probation for a prior child abuse case and out on bond for a separate firearm offense at the time of Emmanuel’s disappearance.
Sheriff’s officials described the situation as “tragic” and expressed gratitude to partner agencies — including the San Bernardino County and Riverside County District Attorney’s Offices and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department — as well as the public and media for their assistance.
“The circumstances surrounding this investigation are tragic, and we will continue to search for Emmanuel,” officials said. “We trust our justice system will hold the parents accountable.”
The investigation remains active. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the case to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
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.