Air Force to Hear Evidence

An Article 32 hearing in Colorado Springs (CO) for Cadet 3rd Class Douglas L. Meester is set for today, May 14, to determine if there is enough evidence to forward his case to a court-martial or make recommendations for an alternate action.

Charges were preferred against Meester, a sophomore, on May 13 for violations of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. He is charged with violating Article 120, for rape; Article 125, for forcible sodomy; Article 133, for conduct unbecoming by providing alcohol to minors; and Article 134, for indecent assault.

The freshman cadet from Pennsylvania who immediately reported she had been raped was repremanded for fraternizing with older cadets, and for drinking, in the October 18, 2002, event. No one other than Meester has been charged in the incident.

The Associated Press said, "The [Air Force] Academy near Colorado Springs has been under scrutiny for months since dozens of female cadets said they were reprimanded or ostracized when they reported being raped. The school's top officers have been reassigned, and the Air Force and Defense Department are investigating what went wrong."

If these offenses go to court-martial, Meester faces a maximum punishment of confinement for life, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and dismissal from the Air Force.

FMI: www.af.mil