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DOJ studying 'action' vs US diplomat indicted for 'illicit sex' with Filipina minor

Philippines | National

DOJ studying 'action' vs US diplomat indicted for 'illicit sex' with Filipina minor

By Rey G. Panaligan

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said on Saturday, Aug. 7, the Department of Justice (DOJ) “is studying possible courses of action” against an American diplomat who has been charged in the United States with illicit sexual conduct with a 16-year-old Filipina and possession of child pornographic materials while stationed in the Philippines.

Guevarra was referring to Dean Cheves who was indicted by a federal jury in the Eastern District of Virginia for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and possession of pornographic materials.

However, Guevarra did not give details on the “possible courses of action” the DOJ will take against Cheves in relation to the charges filed against the American diplomat.

Cheves served at the US Embassy in Manila from Sept. 2020 to Feb. 2021. If convicted, he may be imprisoned up to 30 years for illicit sexual conduct and up to 10 years for possession of pornographic materials.

Published reports quoting the statement of the US Department of Justice stated that Chevez met the Filipina minor online and engaged in sexual activity with her. He reportedly took videos of himself.

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