Plea deal reached in former Scott AFB commander sexual assault case

  • Published
  • 18th Air Force Public Affairs

Legal proceedings concluded Sept. 10 in the case of United States v. Colonel John O. Howard, former 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

 

In the pretrial agreement reached July 2, Howard accepted non-judicial punishment proceedings under Article 15, Uniform Code of Military Justice. Appeals associated with the non-judicial punishment proceedings concluded Sept. 10. Colonel Howard received NJP for conduct unbecoming an officer and fraternization with a junior enlisted Airman.

 

Lt. Gen. Giovanni Tuck, then 18th Air Force commander, accepted the pretrial agreement primarily based on written input provided by the victim through a written memorandum by the Special Victims’ Counsel, indicating the victim did not wish to participate in a court martial proceeding.

 

"After much consideration, my client has decided not to testify in the subject court-martial proceeding," said Capt. Lauren Kerby, Special Victims' Counsel Judge Advocate. "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."