A disturbing case of child sexual abuse has reached a federal courtroom after a California man admitted to sexually abusing two minors while working overseas for the U.S. Army.
The incidents, which took place in Japan over several years, have sent shockwaves through the military community and raised concerns about child safety abroad.
Abuse Took Place While Employed by the U.S. Army in Japan
The man, Thelmo Meneses Santos Jr., 60, of Merced, California, pleaded guilty to repeatedly abusing two children under the age of 16 while employed as a civilian employee of the U.S. Army in Japan.
According to court documents, Santos began abusing one of the victims when the child was just 11 years old, with the abuse continuing over a span of years between 2015 and 2023.
During the investigation, Santos admitted in an interview with law enforcement officers that he engaged in sexual acts with both children.
He was later apprehended in Hawaii by Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) special agents.
Federal Authorities Emphasize Accountability
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division highlighted the severity of the case, stating that Santos’ guilty plea sends a clear message to anyone who harms children, whether at home or overseas.
“The abuse and exploitation of children is intolerable,” Galeotti said, emphasizing that federal authorities will aggressively investigate and prosecute offenders.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California added that those who exploit children, including military employees, will face serious consequences.
“This guilty plea demonstrates that we remain committed to justice and to deterring future offenses against vulnerable populations,” Grant said.
Military Officials Condemn Abuse
The case has drawn statements from top military and law enforcement leaders.
Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division condemned Santos’ actions, saying such abuse is “despicable and counter to everything Americans stand for.”
Special Agent in Charge Michael DeFamio of the Army CID Far East Field Office noted the importance of protecting military communities abroad.
“Our agents work every day to safeguard Soldiers, civilian employees, and their families from those who would exploit and endanger children,” he said.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
As part of his plea agreement, Santos faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison, lifetime supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
He will also be required to pay restitution to his victims and register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) in multiple jurisdictions.
A federal judge will determine the final sentence, with a hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026.
Investigation and Prosecution
The Far East Field Office of the Army CID led the investigation with critical support from the FBI. Prosecutors included Trial Attorney Eduardo A. Palomo of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa.
Part of Project Safe Childhood Initiative
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. The program coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate, arrest, and prosecute offenders while rescuing victims.
The initiative has played a key role in bringing offenders like Santos to justice.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.