Child molestation defendant: 'I really didn't do what I am being accused of'

Defendant Justin Santos walked out of Superior Court Judge John Terlaje's courtroom Wednesday afternoon following only two days of trial. 

Parties had just presented closing arguments to the jury. 

Santos is accused of sexually molesting a girl known to him and giving her drugs. 

The alleged victim, who testified, was only 17 when she reported the abuse back in 2021. 

Defense contends prosecutors lack evidence to convict him of any crime but prosecuting Attorney Christine Tenorio called the defendant a "Father of the Year" for taking his children with him whenever he would get drugs. 

The arguments led to Santos in tears ahead of jury deliberations. 

He did not testify, but spoke with KUAM outside of the courtroom maintaining his innocence. 

“I just hope justice is served. It's something heartbreaking not just for me that I have to go through but I lost three and a half years with my kids because of this situation,” said Santos. 

The situation led to Santos being court ordered to stay away from minors. 

Santos contends the false claims were a result of an argument that unfolded with relatives. 

KUAM asked if he ever molested or gave the victim drugs. He denied both claims, saying, “No. Never. I was an opioid addict. I've been clean for three and a half years. Meth was never my drug of choice.”

Defense argued it was also a shoddy police investigation. Now, Santos waits to find out what the jury will decide.

Santos was emotional during closing arguments and when asked to speak on it, Santos replied, “I can't believe I am sitting in there. I just can't believe I am having somebody who by the way is a great attorney to defend me for something that I didn't do. Yes, I made bad decisions, I brought my kids to buy percocets. They never knew at the time that was the reason I would lie...my addiction took over and it's not what it seemed and I really didn't do what I am being accused of.”