Former Army civilian employee admits to sexually abusing children overseas

(FOX 5/KUSI) — A California man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing minors while he was employed by the U.S. Armed Forces in Japan, authorities said.

Thelmo Meneses Santos, Jr., 60, of Merced, California, admitted to sexually abusing two children multiple times between 2015 and 2023, according to court documents.

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The Department of Justice said Santos began the sexual abuse with one of the victims when the child was only 11 years old. Both minors were abused over several years in Japan where Santos worked as a civilian employee with the U.S. Army at the time, the department stated.

During the investigation, Santos admitted to law enforcement officers that he had engaged in sexual acts with both children. He was later arrested in Hawaii by agents with the Army Criminal Investigation Division, authorities said.

“American armed service members should be trusted to keep people safe and uphold values of honor and integrity. The sexual abuse of children is despicable and counter to everything Americans stand for,” said Jose A. Perez, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.

“His guilty plea should serve as a warning to anyone who would harm children — even overseas — as long as the Criminal Division has jurisdiction, we will hold you accountable,” added Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

As part of his plea agreement, Santos faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.

In addition, he will be required to pay restitution to his victims and to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

A sentencing hearing for Santos is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026.