DOJ: Merced man who worked for Army sexually abused children

MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A antheral pleaded blameworthy Tuesday for sexually abusing 2 minors nether the property of 16 portion helium was employed by the U.S. Armed Forces successful Japan, the Department of Justice said.

According to the tribunal document, 60-year-old Thelmo Meneses Santos Jr. of Merced sexually abused 2 children aggregate times betwixt 2015 and 2023.

The DOJ said Santos began sexually abusing 1 of the insignificant victims erstwhile the kid was 11 years old. They accidental helium abused 2 minors implicit a play of 8 years successful Japan, wherever helium was employed by the U.S. Army arsenic a civilian employee.

During the investigation, Santos gave an interrogation to instrumentality enforcement officers, wherever the DOJ said helium admitted to engaging successful intersexual acts with some children.

Santos was aboriginal arrested successful Hawaii by Army Criminal Investigation Division peculiar agents.

As portion of his plea agreement, Santos faces a maximum condemnation of 15 years successful prison, beingness supervised merchandise and a good of $250,000. The DOJ said helium volition beryllium required to wage restitution to his victims and to registry arsenic a enactment offender astatine the spot helium resides.

A sentencing proceeding is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026.