Desert Hot Springs, CA, December 20, 2025
Johnny Acosta, a former police officer from Desert Hot Springs, has pleaded not guilty to felony charges, including assault and filing a false report. The charges follow the controversial arrests of two teenage boys. Acosta’s actions during their arrest have raised concerns about excessive force and law enforcement accountability. He is scheduled for a felony settlement conference soon as the legal proceedings continue.
Ex–RivCo Officer Pleads Not Guilty In Alleged Excessive Force Case
INDIO, CA — Johnny Acosta, a former Desert Hot Springs police officer, has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges, including assault with a gun, assault by a peace officer, and filing a false report. These charges stem from the November 2024 arrests of two teenage boys near Desert Hot Springs High School. Acosta, 30, entered his plea during an arraignment before Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Evans. A felony settlement conference is scheduled for January 22 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, and Acosta remains free on a $30,000 bond.
The charges against Acosta include serious allegations involving the use of excessive force. According to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, on November 8, 2024, Desert Hot Springs police responded to a potential burglary at the local high school. Upon arrival, officers found that four male suspects had fled the scene. Acosta pursued two of the suspects, both 17 years old, and is alleged to have acted inappropriately during their arrests. Fortunately, the teens were taken into custody without incident and did not require hospitalization. However, specific details regarding the nature of Acosta’s actions have yet to be disclosed.
The internal investigative process began immediately following the incident, leading to Acosta being placed on administrative leave the same day. An independent probe conducted by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was initiated at the request of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department. The findings of these investigations were subsequently forwarded to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Acosta was terminated from the department on March 27, 2025, and arrested by investigators on November 7, 2025. He quickly posted bail and currently remains out of custody pending further legal proceedings.
Implications of the Case
The implications of this case are significant not just for Acosta and the parties involved, but also for the broader community. It underscores the importance of accountability within law enforcement and the scrutiny that police actions can face in modern society. As discussions of policing practices and public safety continue in San Diego and across California, this case adds an important dimension to the ongoing conversation about crime, enforcement, and community relations.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
As the legal proceedings continue, the upcoming felony settlement conference on January 22 will be a pivotal moment. This event could provide critical insights into the evidence and stances of both the prosecution and defense. It will also reveal how the judicial system handles allegations against officers and their impact on community trust.
Community Reactions
Community feedback on this case has been varied. Some local residents express concerns about excessive force used by law enforcement, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and rigorous oversight. Others see this as an opportunity for law enforcement agencies to reflect on their policies and improve training to ensure that peace officers act within the constraints of the law while keeping public safety as their priority. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes the community’s desire for a balanced approach that ensures accountability without undermining the crucial role of law enforcement.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Johnny Acosta, former Desert Hot Springs police officer |
| Charges | Assault with a gun, assault by a peace officer, filing a false report |
| Incident Date | November 8, 2024 |
| Location | Desert Hot Springs High School, Desert Hot Springs, CA |
| Victims | Two 17-year-old male suspects |
| Next Court Date | January 22 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio |
| Acosta’s Status | Free on a $30,000 bond, out of custody pending further proceedings |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Johnny Acosta facing?
Johnny Acosta is facing felony charges including assault with a gun, assault by a peace officer, and filing a false report.
When is the next court proceeding for this case?
A felony settlement conference is scheduled for January 22 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
What led to the charges against Acosta?
The charges stem from the November 2024 arrests of two teenage boys near Desert Hot Springs High School, where Acosta is alleged to have used excessive force during their arrests.
What is the current status of Johnny Acosta?
Acosta remains free on a $30,000 bond and is out of custody pending further court proceedings.
Now Happening on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 20, 2025, 12:25 AM) The sheriff reports a charge involving an alleged victim under age 10 who is a family member, while a San Diego Unified School Board member claims her dog was poisoned in her Sorrento Valley backyard. More top stories shared. View on X
- @MaxGoldwasser (December 17, 2025, 7:11 AM) Law enforcement in San Diego County responded to three major incidents in quick succession: a SWAT standoff downtown, a shooting near El Capitan High School, and an officer-involved shooting in Balboa Park. View on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 17, 2025, 9:45 PM) Deputies are searching for three men after a shooting in Lakeside, an e-biker fleeing police was shot by SDPD in Balboa Park, and a barricaded suspect surrendered following a SWAT standoff in the Gaslamp District. View on X
- @10News (December 17, 2025, 7:13 AM) Three major law enforcement incidents kept San Diego authorities busy on Tuesday, highlighting ongoing public safety challenges in the region. View on X
- @MayorToddGloria (December 16, 2025, 12:37 AM) Weekly update includes a new housing initiative for homeownership, City Council decision to retain license plate readers for crime-solving, and a 23% drop in downtown property crime under Prop. 36. View on X
- @10News (December 16, 2025, 9:22 PM) San Diego police deployed a SWAT team to a downtown apartment in response to a barricaded suspect situation. View on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 15, 2025, 4:47 AM) San Diego News Daily covers two SDPD officers recovering after being hit by a car in Pacific Beach, an update from the Border Czar on security measures, and donors aiding a Marine veteran scammed out of thousands. View on X
- @sdcta (December 15, 2025, 2:28 PM) San Diego faces budget woes and increased fees in 2025, with projections of a $23 million deficit in 2026 and potential new parking fees at beaches under consideration by the council. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Marcos Company Fined for Unsafe Worker Housing
Deputy-Involved Shooting in Lakeside Leaves One Injured
New Collaboration Aims to Support Former Foster Youth in San Diego
U.S. Polo Assn. Achieves Global Acclaim and Growth
Lawsuit Filed Against San Diego Officer for Alleged Assault
9th Circuit Rules San Diego’s Yoga Class Ban Unconstitutional
San Diego Settles Lawsuit Over Police Use of Force
Homeowners Sue San Diego Over Unconstitutionality of New Trash Fee
17-Year-Old Critically Injured in National City Shooting
Lawsuit Filed Over Mugshot Sharing Incident in San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
