JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
The Joint Base San Antonio Judge Advocate General completed one Air Force court-martial during the month of March. The results of a court-martial are not final until the clemency and/or appeals process is completed.
All courts-martial are open to the public and a list of upcoming courts-martial can be found at the United States Air Force Judge Advocate Generals website at http://www.afjag.af.mil/About-Us/Docket.
United States vs. Master Sgt. R.T., 502nd Operations Support Squadron, JBSA-Lackland, was tried by a general court-martial consisting of officer members from March 13-20 at JBSA-Randolph. Contrary to his own pleas, the panel of members found R.T. guilty of one charge and one specification of dereliction of duty in violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice – for an unprofessional relationship with a subordinate – and one charge and one specification of sexual assault in violation of Article 120, UCMJ. R.T. was sentenced by the panel of members to reduction to E-3, two years confinement and a dishonorable discharge.
After sentencing, members can request clemency. In some cases, this can change the outcome of their case and/or sentence.
During the month of March, JBSA Air Force commanders administered 24 non-judicial punishment actions under Article 15 of the UCMJ.
The punishments imposed reflect the commander’s determination of an appropriate punishment after considering the circumstances of the offense and the offender’s record. Officers may not be reduced in rank as a punishment.
A suspended punishment does not take effect unless the offender engages in additional misconduct or fails to satisfy the conditions of the suspension. The suspension period usually lasts for six months unless a lesser amount is specified.
Administrative discharge may also be an option for commanders after the conclusion of an Article 15, depending on the circumstances. The following are some of the non-judicial punishment actions that closed out in March. Decisions regarding discharge are not included.
Dereliction of Duty: A staff sergeant used her government travel card for personal expenses. The member received a suspended reduction to senior airman and a reprimand.
Underage Drinking: An airman basic in technical training consumed alcohol while under the age of 21. The member received 10 days extra duty, 10 days restriction to base, forfeiture of $799 pay per month for two months (one month suspended) and a reprimand.
Introduction of Marijuana: An Airman in technical training knowingly provided another airman with transportation in order to go purchase marijuana. The member received seven days extra duty, 14 days restriction to base, reduction to airman basic and a reprimand.
False Official Statement: A staff sergeant made a false official statement to a senior NCO. The member received a reduction to senior airman (suspended) and a reprimand.
Absent Without Leave: An airman first class left the base after signing in for accountability. The member received a reduction to airman (suspended), forfeitures of $60 pay per month for one month, 14 days restriction, seven days extra duty and a reprimand.
Dereliction of Duty: An airman basic in technical training was caught using an electronic cigarette in the dorms. The member received forfeitures of $799 pay per month for one month, 20 days restriction and a reprimand.
Wrongful Use of Marijuana: An airman basic in technical training tested positive for marijuana on a urinalysis. The member received 30 days restriction to base, forfeiture of $739 pay per month for two months and a reprimand.
Dereliction of Duty: An airman first class failed to refrain from consuming alcohol while on telephone stand-by. The member received a reduction in grade to airman, forfeitures of $896 pay per month for two months (suspended), 30 days extra duty and a reprimand.