Airman sentenced to confinement on sexual assault conviction

  • Published
  • By Capt. Vanessa Hillman
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A Travis Airman was sentenced to three months confinement, forfeiture of $849 a month for six months, reduction to airman basic and a reprimand in court-martial proceedings March 10. 

An airman first class, from the 60th Mission Support Squadron, pled guilty to indecent assault. 

In exchange for a plea of guilty, the convening authority referred his case to a special court martial, which limited his potential punishment. 

In addition to the aforementioned punishment, the Airman will be required to register as a sex offender in California. 

Indecent assault includes a wide range of misconduct, according to Maj. Charles Ayotte, 60th Air Mobility Wing chief of military justice. It is almost any non-consensual sexual touching that is not otherwise covered by rape. 

Air Force prosecutors charged that the Airman groped the genitals of a female Airman while she was unconscious. 

The victim initially contacted the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and filed a restricted report of the incident. 

“This is an assault the victim felt comfortable talking with the SARC about and not a law enforcement officer,” said Major Ayotte. 

The SARC advised the victim of the reporting options, restricted and unrestricted, available to her, explained the benefits and limitations of each, explained the exceptions that could apply to restricted reporting, and documented the reporting option the victim selected. 

“The big difference between the two is that restricted reporting allows victims to confidentially receive medical treatment and support without automatically triggering an investigation,” said Mr. Kirk Whitman, sexual assault response coordinator. “This option provides victims with more control over the release of their personal information and affords them additional time to weigh their options and seek guidance about whether or not to participate in a criminal investigation.” 

Two days after meeting with the SARC, the victim then felt comfortable enough to file an unrestricted report and the Office of Special Investigations began their investigation. 

The support for the victim did not end with the reporting of the assault and initial consultation, and will continue as needed. 

“Our volunteer victim advocate provided 24/7 direct response to the victim, and assisted the victim in navigating the military’s response network,” said Mr. Whitman. “Additionally, the VA furnished accurate and comprehensive information on available options and resources so the victim could make informed decisions when managing her personal information.” 

“This is a real success story for the SARC program,” said Major Ayotte. “This is the sort of thing that eats away at victims if they are not able to seek help, and the SARC program is a safe place to seek help.”