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

[Geoff R. Casavant]

5. Once the sexual assault charge was dropped, prison time was highly unlikely.

The remaining charges, alas, are traditionally viewed as not as serious.

It's been a long time since I did military prosecutions, so I don't know how the conviction will affect other aspects of his career. He will never be promoted, that much is all but certain. He will retire, but it is possible that the conviction will mean he will be administratively reduced in paygrade, leading to a significant loss of pension over his lifespan.

I do not think punitive reduction in rank is allowed for officers. But again, I've been out of this loop for a long time and I am certainly willing to be corrected on that point.