Sheppard colonel charged with rape, larceny - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Sheppard colonel charged with rape, larceny

Col. Samuel Lofton III has been charged with rape and 29 other counts following an investigation that started after he was relieved of command of the 82nd Training Group on May 30.

An Article 32 hearing is scheduled to start Monday morning at the U.S. Military Courthouse at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, home of the 82nd.

Lofton was also charged with four counts of indecent assault, two counts of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, 20 counts of larceny, two counts of dereliction of duty, and one count of absence without leave under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

He was relieved of command in May for “financial misconduct,” according to a news release from the Air Force. Since then, Lofton has performed various administrative duties with the 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard.

The investigating officer will prepare a report to the 82nd Training Wing Commander and the 2nd Air Force Commander, which will include a recommendation into whether Lofton should be court-martialed.

If the case is referred to a court-martial, a trial date will be set by the government and the defense counsel.

Evidence will be reviewed and witnesses for the case will be interviewed at the hearing much like a grand jury in a civilian case.

A Sheppard spokesman said via e-mail that the charge sheet for Lofton couldn’t be released at press time because of privacy concerns.

“The Air Force holds all of its members, regardless of rank or position, to a very high standard and takes allegations of sexual misconduct and other illegal behavior seriously,” according to an Air Force news release. “We are also committed to protecting the rights of the alleged victims.”

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