Former DSHS Worker Pleads Guilty To Sexually Abusing Children

A state worker responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect cases has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing several children over several years.
50-year-old Rodolfo De Leon pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of child molestation and two counts of child-rape in Yakima County Superior Court.
Investigators say he knew the children outside of his job working in the Toppenish office of the state Department of Social and Health Services. De Leon was fired from his position in May when he was charged.
Yakima Police said De Leon walked into the police station in May and told officers he sexually abused five children. According to court documents, a woman said she would report him if he didn't turn himself in.
Police believe the abuse began as early as 2012 and as recently as April of this year. The victims were younger than 12.