The 1st Cavalry Division has confirmed that Sgt. Elder Fernandes had reported abusive sexual contact before his disappearance.
The division confirmed Friday that US Army CID has an open investigation of abuse sexual contact involving Fernandes. The division says the unit sexual assault response coordinator has been working closely with Sgt. Fernandes, ensuring he was aware of all his reporting, care, and victim advocacy options.
Fernandes was transferred from a recently deployed unit to another unit with the brigade “to ensure he received the proper care and ensure there were no opportunities for reprisals,” says the division in a statement.
Fernandes was reported missing by his family after they had not heard from the 23-year-old since Monday. Fernandes was last seen by his staff sergeant Monday afternoon when he dropped Fernandes off at his home on Woodlands Drive in Killeen. He did not report to work the following day as scheduled.
Additionally, his only known vehicle was located on base at his unit’s parking lot.
