IE Teacher Suspected Of Crimes Against Teen, Other Victims Sought

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — A math teacher serving at Excelsior Charter Schools was arrested this week on suspicion of meeting with a 16-year-old girl for a lewd purpose, and there may be more victims, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reported.

Brett David Dahl, 43, of Victorville was arrested at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the 17000 block of Granada Avenue. He was booked into High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto on suspicion of contacting a minor to commit a felony, meeting with a minor for a lewd purpose, child endangerment and child abduction, according to the sheriff's department. He was being held in lieu of $60,000 bail and was released from custody just before 9 p.m. the same day.

Few details were made available about the arrest, including whether the child was an Excelsior Charter Schools student, but the sheriff's department said it released Dahl's booking photo (see above) because there may be other victims.

Excelsior Charter Schools serves students in grades 7-12 at campuses in Barstow, Corona-Norco, North Victorville, Ontario, Phelan, Redlands, San Bernardino and Victorville. Dahl served at the Victorville campus.

A parent notification was sent to Excelsior Charter Schools families by Superintendent Dr. Derek King. It read in full:

"For the last few weeks Excelsior has been cooperating in an investigation led by the San Bernardino County Sheriff which on April 24, 2024 led to the arrest of Math Teacher, Brett Dahl. Mr. Dahl had been placed on administrative leave as part of the investigation process. While the findings of the Sheriff's investigation strongly suggests that the alleged illegal encounters took place outside of Excelsior Charter Schools and normal school hours, we will continue to scrutinize our school-based safeguards and policies. Over the coming days Excelsior Victorville will have grief Counselors available to assist our students and staff as needed. If your student has related information please contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's department at (909)890-4904. For anonymous reporting call We-Tip at (800)782-7463. Excelsior staff will continue to work with law enforcement through the prosecution process to ensure that justice is fully served. A report is being filed with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to prevent future employment as a teacher within the United States and Mr. Dahl is no longer an employee of Excelsior Charter Schools. Excelsior Charter Schools is highly appreciative of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for their assistance in this matter."

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Jason Desario of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.