A sophomore cadet at the Air Force Academy was acquitted of sexual misconduct charges at a court-martial Wednesday, the academy said.
Cadet 3rd Class Jackson Spalding was charged with three specifications of violating Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- one specification of sexual assault and two specifications of abusive sexual contact, the academy said in a Wednesday release. Spalding was also charged with one specification of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.
Spalding allegedly "grop[ed] a female cadet's breast, fondl[ed] her genitalia and shov[ed] his groin in her face while saying: 'You know you want to,'" according to court documents obtained by the Colorado Springs Gazette in January.
Spalding chose to have his case heard by a military judge instead of a panel of officers, the academy said. That judge found him not guilty of all charges after hearing testimony and reviewing evidence, the academy said.
"During this time, the Academy will make all efforts to protect and support both Cadet Spalding and the alleged victim," the academy said. "The Academy is committed to fostering a culture where each person gives and receives dignity and respect."
Spalding is a track and field athlete at the academy.
Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations.
