Former Deputy Matthew Dessert Sexually Abused a Child for Eight Years. She Was 9 When It Started.

 

Former Stanislaus County Deputy Matthew Dessert Sexually Abused a Child for Eight Years

Matthew Joseph Dessert was a deputy with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office in California.

He was also sexually abusing a child.

The abuse began when the victim was 9 years old and continued for approximately eight years.

Eight years.

During much of that time, Dessert was wearing a badge. He had been with the sheriff’s office since 2014 and wasn't arrested until 2023, after the victim finally disclosed the abuse.

A jury later found Dessert guilty of multiple crimes, including five felony counts of sexual battery.

In August 2025, he was sentenced to nine years in state prison, followed by 10 years of parole. He must also register as a sex offender for life.

There is something especially brutal about putting the timeline on paper.

She was nine when it started. She had to grow up while the abuse kept happening.