An active-duty U.S. Army chemical specialist assigned to Fort Bliss was convicted in December at a general court-martial after pleading guilty to multiple offenses, including child pornography charges and illegal drug use, according to official court-martial records.
On Dec. 2, 2025, Specialist JuliusJeremiah A. Finistertirado was convicted by a military judge sitting alone at a general court-martial convened at Fort Bliss. The proceedings were held in the COL Hubert Miller Courtroom under the Army’s 5th Judicial Circuit.
Finistertirado pleaded guilty to one specification of wrongful use of a controlled substance, in violation of Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as well as one specification each of distribution and possession of child pornography, both charged under Article 134.
The military judge sentenced Finistertirado to reduction to the grade of E-1, confinement for 36 months, and a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Army. Court-martial records indicate the sentence was consistent with the terms of a negotiated plea agreement.
Prior to his conviction, Finistertirado served as a CBRN specialist, military occupational specialty 74D, assigned to the 22nd Chemical Battalion, 44th Chemical Company at Fort Bliss. Publicly available professional profiles indicate he enlisted in September 2021 and held the rank of specialist, pay grade E-4, before being reduced in rank as part of the court-martial process.
At the time of publication, a LinkedIn profile attributed to Finistertirado described him as a “transitioning enlisted service member” and emphasized skills in communication, organizational development, and stress management. The profile highlighted discipline, composure under pressure, and contributions to unit effectiveness — statements that now contrast sharply with the offenses to which he pleaded guilty. Finistertirado elected to be tried by military judge alone rather than by a panel.
The Army has not publicly disclosed details regarding how the offenses were discovered, the scope or duration of the investigation, or whether any administrative or command-directed actions preceded the criminal charges. It has also not indicated whether additional individuals were investigated in connection with the case.
Following sentencing, Finistertirado is expected to serve his term of confinement before execution of the dishonorable discharge. As a general court-martial conviction involving child pornography offenses, the case carries long-term legal and personal consequences extending beyond military service.
The Salty Soldier will continue to seek records related to the investigative handling of the case, charging decisions, and any administrative actions taken by the chain of command.
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