Ousted Scott AFB colonel takes plea deal in sexual assault case, to be disciplined

Considering the charges, it's just a slap on the hand. This is not justice. I believe if it were a CSM, the punishment would have been greater.

An enlisted airman would have been put in jail and faced a dishonorable discharge.

MSgt Danny Hope the case must have been riding on victim testimony.

"The victim did not wish to testify in court-martial proceedings, according to Capt. Lauren Kerby, a Special Victims Counsel judge advocate. Counsel advocates are specially trained to provide legal representation to sexual assault victims.

“After much consideration, my client has decided not to testify in the subject court-martial proceeding,” Kerby said in a prepared statement. “For my client, an expeditious resolution honoring her desire not to participate in a court-martial while still holding Colonel Howard accountable for his actions is justice.”....."

A CJA will not go to trial with a case that lacks sufficient evidence. The Airman had independent legal counsel, and still did not want to go to trial.