School Guard Arrested on Molest Charges

Desert Hot Springs - A 45-year-old Desert Hot Springs middle school security guard was arrested today on suspicion of molesting several female students.

Marvin Cash, who works at Desert Springs Middle School, was taken into custody this morning at his home in the 65500 block of Acoma Avenue, said Sgt. Daniel Bressler of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

Cash faces felony counts of committing a lewd act with a child under 14 and sexual battery, as well as two misdemeanor charges of annoying or molesting a child under 18.

The investigation began in February, when more than one girl came forward to report incidents involving Cash, Bressler said.

Cash allegedly molested one of the girls during the school day on campus, the sergeant said.

He was taken to the city's police department for questioning and will be booked into the Riverside County Jail on a $50,000 arrest warrant.

Cash was placed on paid administrative when police informed the Palm Springs Unified School District of the allegations at the outset of the investigation, said district spokeswoman Joan Boiko.

She declined further comment, citing district policy on personnel matters.