Servicemen Convicted in Okinawa Rape Appeal Sentence

Two of the three U.S. servicemen convicted last week in the rape of an Okinawan girl have appealed their sentences. Marine Privates Rodrico Harp and Kendrick Ledet appealed their seven year and six and a half year sentences, respectively, to the Naha branch of the Fukouka High Court. Navy Seaman Marcus Gill, who was sentenced to seven years and had plead guilty to both abduction and rape, has not yet appealed. A two-week waiting period exists in Japan before a sentence is handed down. The prosecution had asked for ten-year sentences for all three.

Media Resources: Reuters - March 13, 1996

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