Fifth Soldier Accused of Sex Crime at Aberdeen

The Army announced on January 28 that a fifth soldier, Sgt. 1st Class William Jones, has been accused of sexual misconduct at Maryland's Aberdeen Proving Ground. If convicted, Jones faces up to six months in a military prison for indecent assault, being intoxicated on duty and failing to obey orders regarding student-instructor interaction involving six female trainees and one civilian employee. Jones has been reassigned to a maintenance division at Aberdeen.

On the same day, Sgt. 1st Class Theron Brown was granted a discharge, neither honorable nor dishonorable, on adultery and forcible sodomy charges rather than go through a court-martial. Two other sergeants and a captain have already been accused of rape and improper fraternizing with female recruits and face trials in March and April. Up to 17 instructors have also been suspended pending an investigation. Since the Army set up its toll-free hotline at 1-800-903-4241, 50 women have filed complaints that will be investigated. Aberdeen officials expect more charges to be filed.

At the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, a committee has been appointed to review the process of the integration of women into the formerly all-male military college. The five-member panel, headed by president emeritus retired Army General James Grimsely, will produce a report by mid-March on the assimilation process.

Media Resources: The Washington Post - January 29, 1997; The Nando Net and the Associated Press - January 29, 1997;USA Today - January 29, 1997

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