Hagel still reviewing sexual assault case

Hagel ordered the pair of reviews after lawmakers and sexual
assault victims’ advocates expressed outrage at a sexual assault case from
Aviano Air Base in Italy where Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin tossed out the guilty
verdict against Lt. Col. James Wilkerson.

{mosads}Wilkerson was facing a year in prison and dismissal from the
Air Force, but Franklin’s ruling reinstated him in the Air Force.

The case prompted several lawmakers to propose legislation
that would remove the ability for commanders to dismiss verdicts in post-case
reviews. They highlighted it as another example of the military not taking the
issue of sexual assault seriously enough.

The Uniform Code of Military Justice has long given
the power of a convening authority to review cases and dismiss guilty verdicts.

Little said that Hagel has been briefed on recommendations from
the Pentagon’s general counsel for the review of the military justice rules,
but is still considering them.

The Air Force has completed its review of the Aviano case, Little
said, but Hagel has not yet made any final decisions.