A soldier missing from Fort Hood in Texas had handed over units after reporting sexual abuse, a military official said in a statement.
Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, was reported missing Wednesday. Killeen police said he had not been seen since Monday when his sergeant of staff fell on him at home.
Fort Hood official, Colonel Chris Brautigam, said in a statement that there was an “open investigation into sexual contact abuse” that involved Fernandes.
“The coordinator of sexual assault actions has worked closely with Sgt. Fernandes, and made sure he was aware of all his reporting, care and victim options, “Brautigam said in the statement. Brautigam said Fernandes had been transferred to another unit” to ensure he received the right care. and to ensure that there were no opportunities for reprisals. ”
The man’s family and the U.S. military are asking the public to find the missing soldier.
Fernandes is the third solid from Fort Hood to miss last year. Vanessa Guillén’s body was found in July following her disappearance in April. Another soldier killed himself after being confronted by police the day the 20-year-old Guillén remains were found, officials said. A 22-year-old civilian woman is accused of helping that soldier remove Guillén’s body.
Guillén’s family said she was sexually harassed by the soldier suspected of killing her, but the army said there was no evidence to support that. There is an ongoing investigation.
Pfc. Gregory Morales, 24, was reported missing in August 2019, and his remains were found in June. Killeen police and army officials are still investigating his death. Foul play is suspected.
