General's sentence in sex case called a 'shock,' 'beyond disappointing' (+video) [View all]

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http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2014/0320/General-s-sentence-in-sex-case-called-a-shock-beyond-disappointing-video

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair received no jail time or demotion in rank despite having a long-standing affair with a captain under his command and inappropriate relationships with three junior soldiers.

General's sentence in sex case called a 'shock,' 'beyond disappointing' (+video)
By Anna Mulrine, Staff writer / March 20, 2014

WASHINGTON

The outcome of a trial that was widely regarded as a litmus test for how the US military handles sexual assault in its ranks has caused an outcry among lawmakers and advocates of victims of sexual assault – as well as many long-serving military officers.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair, accused of sexual assault, on Thursday received what was widely regarded as a light sentence, consisting of a $20,000 fine and an official reprimand.

The general had pleaded guilty to having a long-standing affair with a captain under his command and having inappropriate relationships with three other junior soldiers. Earlier in the week the Army dropped sexual assault charges, citing what the judge (an Army colonel) reportedly believed were questions about unreliability in the victim's testimony and “undue command influence” in moving the charges forward.

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Although he pleaded guilty to “maltreatment of a subordinate, having inappropriate relationships with and soliciting illicit pictures from junior female officers, possessing pornography, misuse of a credit card and using derogatory language,” Representative Tsongas noted, he did not receive any jail time or reduction in rank as part of the sentence.