Child Sexual Abuse Lasted Years, Say Atlantic County Investigators

An Atlantic City man faces five charges tied to the sexual abuse of a juvenile. Investigators believe that it went on for several years, and they're trying to learn if more victims are involved.

Santos Blanco, 41, was apprehended Tuesday by members of Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner's Special Victims Unit, after a month-long probe by Pleasantville and Atlantic City detectives, according to the Prosecutor's office.

Authorities kept a lid on details regarding Blanco's background, the circumstances, and the alleged victim's age, saying only that incidents took place in Blanco's Atlantic City residence and other locations. Judge Patricia Wild today granted the State's motion to detain Blanco pending resolution of the case.

He faces two first-degree counts of aggravated sexual assault, two second-degree counts of child endangerment, and a third-degree endangerment count.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Flammer is conducting the government's case. Whether Blanco has hired legal representation, or is having a lawyer supplied, was not disclosed.

Source: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office