Merced man sentenced for sexually abusing minors in Japan. What he faces
A 60-year-old Merced man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two minors while he was employed by the Armed Forces outside of the United States.
Thelmo Meneses Santos, Jr. will also faced 10 years of supervised release, the U.S Attorney’s office announced in a news release Tuesday.
According to court documents, Santos sexually abused two minor children multiple times between 2015 and 2023. He began sexually abusing both of the minor victims when they were 11 years old, the news release said.
Santos sexually abused the two minors in Japan, where he was employed by the U.S. Army as a civilian employee.
During the investigation, Santos admitted to engaging in sexual acts with both minor children. He was later arrested in Hawaii by Army Criminal Investigation Division agents.
After his arrest, Santos attempted to influence one of his victims to falsely recant her report of sexual abuse.
In addition to his sentence of imprisonment, Santos will be required to pay restitution to his victims and to register as a sex offender.
The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI investigated the case.
