A former Alameda County Sheriff's deputy accused of molesting three children between 2005 and 2009 pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of child endangerment, prosecutor Paul Graves said.
Michael Bareno, a 43-year-old San Ramon resident, was sentenced to a year in jail and five years probation. He gets credit for 199 days served, which means he could be released in about a month, Graves told Patch.
Bareno was a sheriff's deputy for 15 years before being placed on administrative leave after his November arrest. Prosecutors said he formally resigned a few weeks ago.
Bareno was first charged with 10 counts of child molestation. Prosecutors said he molested two boys and a girl in Contra Costa County, all of them under the age of 10.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Officer offered the plea bargain because of factual issues and the age of the victims, Graves said.
Judge Brian Haynes asked the victims' mother if he should deny the plea bargain. The mother said to accept it so her children could move on, according to Graves.
As part of his sentence, Bareno has to pay for any counseling the victims may need. He is also not allowed to object to a restraining order if the mother files one against him.
