Posted on Apr 26, 2022
Air Force General Convicted in Historic Court-Martial Avoids Jail Time
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Color me surprised.
Air Force General Convicted in Historic Court-Martial Avoids Jail Time
Posted from military.comPosted in these groups: 
Court Martial
Court Martial
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 3
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Who really thought he would get any jail or prison time? Let's be realistic. I definitely knew he wouldn't but I think that the optics of it are the Air Force at the very least still held him accountable and didn't just let him get away with it. If I was his victim, I would be glad that they prosecuted him because how often do you see this even happen?
But I knew he wouldn't face any jail or prison and he'd get a letter of reprimand and allowed to retire with his benefits.
Prosecutors requested he be dismissed from the service, or if not dismissed, sentenced to "months" of confinement. A dismissal for a commissioned officer is the equivalent of a dishonorable discharge for enlisted personnel.
Cooley's defense team, meanwhile, argued a letter of reprimand -- which is often a career ender but still allows for retirement benefits -- would be sufficient punishment.
"Maj. Gen. Cooley is very thankful for the judge's compassion here," his civilian lawyer, Daniel Conway, told reporters after the sentence was delivered. "The imposition of a letter of reprimand and significant financial penalties is actually a very significant sentence. And so I think the military judge here did send a message that she was in fact taking this seriously."
His lawyers though - like seriously? "Significant financial penalties is actually a very significant sentence." No it isn't.
But I knew he wouldn't face any jail or prison and he'd get a letter of reprimand and allowed to retire with his benefits.
Prosecutors requested he be dismissed from the service, or if not dismissed, sentenced to "months" of confinement. A dismissal for a commissioned officer is the equivalent of a dishonorable discharge for enlisted personnel.
Cooley's defense team, meanwhile, argued a letter of reprimand -- which is often a career ender but still allows for retirement benefits -- would be sufficient punishment.
"Maj. Gen. Cooley is very thankful for the judge's compassion here," his civilian lawyer, Daniel Conway, told reporters after the sentence was delivered. "The imposition of a letter of reprimand and significant financial penalties is actually a very significant sentence. And so I think the military judge here did send a message that she was in fact taking this seriously."
His lawyers though - like seriously? "Significant financial penalties is actually a very significant sentence." No it isn't.
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MSG (Join to see)
I'm embarrassed for the Air Force. And I can only imagine how more attacked his SIL is feeling. Prosecutor's are probably thinking "WTF?"
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SGT (Join to see)
This is his own attorneys recommendation ..."Cooley's attorneys had also sought to limit the maximum sentence he could receive to six months, arguing the offense Cooley was convicted of is now considered the equivalent of a misdemeanor assault under a law that took effect months after the August 2018 incident."... So... IMO he should have served some time but didn't because of the "Good Ole Boy" mentality
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SFC (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) - There are just so many predators that get away with it...especially those with rank.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - Technically: "abusive sexual contact" is the charge he was found guilty of which isn't the same as a sexual assault charge. So the editor was actually in the right to add that.
But - even though he got to keep his benefits and pension it is something that they even charged him and took him to court martial. It's not a big step but it's a step.
But - even though he got to keep his benefits and pension it is something that they even charged him and took him to court martial. It's not a big step but it's a step.
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SGT (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - I was basing my replies on the following: ..."Maj. Gen. William Cooley, the first Air Force general ever convicted in a court-martial, will not serve jail time."... as well as ..."Prosecutors requested he be dismissed from the service, or if not dismissed, sentenced to "months" of confinement. A dismissal for a commissioned officer is the equivalent of a dishonorable discharge for enlisted personnel.
Cooley's defense team, meanwhile, argued a letter of reprimand -- which is often a career ender but still allows for retirement benefits -- would be sufficient punishment.
"Maj. Gen. Cooley is very thankful for the judge's compassion here," his civilian lawyer, Daniel Conway, told reporters after the sentence was delivered. "The imposition of a letter of reprimand and significant financial penalties is actually a very significant sentence. And so I think the military judge here did send a message that she was in fact taking this seriously."
Cooley's attorneys had also sought to limit the maximum sentence he could receive to six months, arguing the offense Cooley was convicted of is now considered the equivalent of a misdemeanor assault under a law that took effect months after the August 2018 incident. But Jimenez said she had to consider the maximum sentence under the law as it existed when the crime was committed."...
Thanks for the reply SFC (Join to see) .
Cooley's defense team, meanwhile, argued a letter of reprimand -- which is often a career ender but still allows for retirement benefits -- would be sufficient punishment.
"Maj. Gen. Cooley is very thankful for the judge's compassion here," his civilian lawyer, Daniel Conway, told reporters after the sentence was delivered. "The imposition of a letter of reprimand and significant financial penalties is actually a very significant sentence. And so I think the military judge here did send a message that she was in fact taking this seriously."
Cooley's attorneys had also sought to limit the maximum sentence he could receive to six months, arguing the offense Cooley was convicted of is now considered the equivalent of a misdemeanor assault under a law that took effect months after the August 2018 incident. But Jimenez said she had to consider the maximum sentence under the law as it existed when the crime was committed."...
Thanks for the reply SFC (Join to see) .
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - Ok...but I replied to this specific comment of yours:
SGT Charlie Lee 11 h
SFC Thomas Livingston even the Editor of this artivle showing bias... "Editor's Note: This story includes details of an alleged sexual assault."... he was found guulty.
That's all I was pointing out. That gen is a pos - but he wasn't convicted of SA. That's why there is that Editor's Note most likely.
SGT Charlie Lee 11 h
SFC Thomas Livingston even the Editor of this artivle showing bias... "Editor's Note: This story includes details of an alleged sexual assault."... he was found guulty.
That's all I was pointing out. That gen is a pos - but he wasn't convicted of SA. That's why there is that Editor's Note most likely.
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I read the article SFC.
It would have been interesting to be a fly on the wall in the back room where the agreement was made. For example: If you take away my benefits, I will write a book on all this...
Just a thought SFC.
It would have been interesting to be a fly on the wall in the back room where the agreement was made. For example: If you take away my benefits, I will write a book on all this...
Just a thought SFC.
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SGT (Join to see)
Cpl Mark A. Morris we seldom agree... actually almost never... but you made a very valid possibility. To me, that's the "Good Ole Boy" system the average G.I. Joe wouldn't have a chance at.
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