SecDef busts retired 2 Star down to 2d Lieutenant

I say more power to him, guy is lucky he doesn't get the death penalty.

Here’s the Army Times report:

That’s an interesting place to be on the DFAS pay table. O-1 over 30 years. As a retiree, that means healthcare, Exchange and Commissary privileges, but certainly no longer a nice chunk of 50% of MG’s pay every month. Quick scribble math, drop from gross $7-8k to $2130/month.

Glad he is finally brought to justice, though time served and a suspended 20-year sentence seems light. I suppose it depends on what was identified as prosecutable in terms of time frame and VA location.

I don't think we should pay him another dime. Despicable excuse for a human if the allegations are true.

I had the displeasure of contributing tax dollars for the housing of this d-bag in the local hoosegow.

Capt MJ said:

Glad he is finally brought to justice, though time served and a suspended 20-year sentence seems light. I suppose it depends on what was identified as prosecutable in terms of time frame and VA location.

Click to expand...

I does seem that senior officers get off lightly in the courts, that sentence is obscene. Last year the incoming Wing Commander at Andrews AFB was charged with 30 felony counts of possessing child pornagraphy and got 10 years probation.

conrack said:

I does seem that senior officers get off lightly in the courts, that sentence is obscene. Last year the incoming Wing Commander at Andrews AFB was charged with 30 felony counts of possessing child pornagraphy and got 10 years probation.

Click to expand...

I hope they are both on the sex offender registry.

So, to provide some context on the sentence from the perspective of an experienced law enforcement officer. The sentence is not out of line with the charge to which he actually pled. While he was charged with rape, incest and aggravated sexual battery, but only pled to a single count of sexual battery. While definitions of crimes can vary somewhat from state to state, this would be the least serious of the charges. I was glad to see the victim was in agreement with the plea. The MSN article quotes her attorney as saying she was more interested in the truth being known than the punishment. Unfortunately, these cold child molest cases are incredibly difficult to prosecute and gain convictions. They occur in private with no witnesses and there is generally no physical evidence to rely on, unless the perpetrator has recorded the acts somehow and that is found. Taking these cases to trial runs the risk of an acquittal. I was saddened to see the U.S Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces found a 5 year statute of limitations for sex crimes in the military. Many states in the past several years have expanded or done away with statutes of limitations for these types of crimes. I was glad he was able to be charged in state court. The conviction should provide the victim with a sense of validation and give her back some of the power and self-worth that were taken from her. Is there a way for a retired military member to be stripped of benefits completely?

That's a dead dog...

The obvious question for this forum would be was there any incidents during a 30 year career that would have clued anyone. Sociopaths tend to fly under the radar with expertise, but occasionally the mask does drop. I think a lot of people dismiss these signals because of the person's social rank. Not me... I raised five children....I'm watching you.

These sexual crimes are devastating, not only to the victims but for there families. SECDEF should have put his pay at E1.