Highland Deputy Suspected of Sex with Minor Freed On Bail

A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy suspected of having sex with a minor was free on  $25,000 bail today, records show.

Redlands resident Nathan Gastineau, 30, a 10-year sheriff's department veteran, was taken into custody at 9 p.m. Friday, according to authorities.

Investigators received a tip about an alleged sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl, according to a sheriff’s news release.

Sheriff's officials notified the Crimes Against Children Detail, which investigated the allegation.

Few details were immediately released Saturday in order to protect the teenage victim. Investigators said they conducted several interviews and found enough evidence to warrant the arrest.

According to televised reports, Gastineau was part of the Inland Empire Ghostbusters program and headed the Explorers program at the Highland Sheriff's station.

Gastineau is assigned to the Highland Station but was placed on administrative leave, per department policy.

It was unclear today whether that leave is paid.

He was arrested on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a minor and was booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

There was no immediate word on a court appearance date.