Three children left in the desert as punishment; Mother and boyfriend arrested for child abuse. 
DATE/TIME: July 13, 2016 / 11:22 a.m.
INCIDENT: Felony Child Abuse
LOCATION: 74000 Samarkand Drive, 29 Palms
SUSPECT(S): Gary Cassle, 29 years old
Mary Bell, 34 years old
VICTIM(S): Confidential – 7 year old female, 6 year old male and 5 year old male
SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at approximately 11:22 a.m., Deputies responded to a report of three found children near the 74000 block of Samarkand Drive. During the investigation it was found Mary Bell was the mother of the three children and Cassle was Bell’s boyfriend. Cassle and Bell left the three children, by themselves in the desert, for disciplinary purposes. The children were found to be without water and shoes. Bell and Cassle were arrested for PC 273D, Child Abuse and are being held at the Morongo Basin Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.
Refer: Deputy S. Andrews
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Case #: 201601182
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
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Address/Location
SBSD - Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department
63665 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1