Colonel to be court-martialed on rape charge

[unhappycamper]

Colonel to be court-martialed on rape charge
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday May 16, 2008 10:59:26 EDT

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — A military trial is set for June 19 for an Air Force colonel accused of making sexual advances toward two civilian workers at a Texas base and raping one of the women, officials said Thursday.

Col. Samuel Lofton III, former 82nd Training Group commander at Sheppard Air Force Base, faces up to life in a military prison if convicted.

Lofton is the first colonel to be charged with rape in more than 20 years, according to statistics provided by the Military Justice Division of the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Only three officers above the rank of major have faced court-martial since January 2005.

The decision to proceed with a court-martial was made after testimony in February during a two-day Article 32 hearing held to determine, much like a civilian grand jury, whether there was enough evidence to proceed with the case, said Sheppard spokesman George Woodward.

Lofton is charged with rape, being absent without leave, 19 counts of larceny, four counts of indecent assault, two counts of dereliction of duty and two counts of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/05/airforce_lofton_051608w/