Officer agrees to plead guilty to sex charges

A former Portales police officer could face up to 27 years of jail time after agreeing to plead guilty to more than a dozen charges, including having a sexual relationship with a minor.

Victor Castillo, who was 45 at the time of his arrest in August, entered into an agreement March 21 to plead guilty to 14 of the 35 felony sex charges, according to court records.

His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 22.

Castillo, who was serving as a school resource officer at the time, is accused of maintaining a sexual relationship with a 16-year old student, and having thousands of photos of young girls on his cell phone.

The criminal actions happened between May 1, 2012 (on/or about) and July 9, 2012, according to the document.

According to the court document, his sentencing is open to argument from the defense and prosecution with a cap on incarceration of 27 years.

Castillo will be placed on probation/parole for a minimum of five years but no longer than 20 years.

Castillo's attorney, Blair Chandler, declined comment, citing office policy.

According to the court document, Castillo has agreed to plead guilty to:

• 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a child (possession)
• 2 counts of sexual exploitation of a child (Manufacturing)
• 1 count of criminal sexual contact of a minor
• 1 count of criminal sexual penetration of a minor.