West Point Cadet Acquitted of Sexual Assault

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Is sexual misconduct a problem in the U.S. military?

A court-martial proceeding has resulted in an acquittal of West Point Cadet Lucas Saul on charges of sexual assault and sodomy. Despite the verdict in this case, many military observers still believe there is widespread sexual misconduct in the service.

The cadet had been charged with sexually assaulting a female cadet by engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct without her consent on three occasions in 2012. The incidents allegedly occurred both on and off West Point property. In particular, Saul was charged with aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault under Article 120 of the UCMJ, and sodomy (UCMJ Article 125).

In response to the acquittal, a spokesperson  for West Point stated that the academy takes sexual misconduct allegations “very seriously,” but that the court-martial panel determined Saul was innocent of the charges.

“All the facts were presented in a full and open hearing and the issue was resolved in a manner consistent with military law and due process requirements,” he said.

Sexual Misconduct is a Lingering Problem in the U.S. Military

Despite efforts to address the problem by military brass, sexual misconduct continues to plague the service. As we have previously reported, the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2016 contains provisions that are designed for sexual assault incidents. The reform measure also calls for changes in the jury and conviction requirements.

The issue has also been taken up by Congressional lawmakers, in particular, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).  Ms. Gillebrand has been championing legislation that would directly address the issue of sexual misconduct and protect those who bring charges from retaliation.

The senator has reported that 62 percent of women in the military who report an assault are subjected to some form of retaliation and that there are 52 new cases of unwanted sexual contacts every day. Victims of these assaults believe that the military justice system is unfair and that they are often denied advancement or forced out of the service after bringing charges.

The case involving Cadet Saul has only added to the controversy about how the military handles incidents of sexual misconduct and its failure to address the epidemic of assaults. In the meantime, Saul has been on administrative leave since August 2015 and it is unclear whether he will return to the academy.

While the military has faced criticism for not adequately addressing the problem, sexual misconduct is a serious offense that can lead to a court-martial. If you are facing sexual assault charges, you should consult with a military court-martial attorney.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Other Posts

Can a Character Witness Help Your Court Martial Case?

Facing a court martial is a daunting experience that can have significant consequences on your military career and personal life. In such challenging times, every aspect of your defense strategy becomes important. One often overlooked but potentially powerful tool in your defense arsenal is a

Read More »

Unlawful Command Influence & Overturning Your Conviction

The military justice system is designed to uphold fairness and integrity, ensuring that service members receive a fair trial. However, the concept of unlawful command influence (UCI) can pose a significant challenge to the impartiality of military trials. Here’s what to know about unlawful command

Read More »

How Social Media Can Impact Your Court Martial Defense

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. While platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram offer opportunities for communication and networking, they also present potential pitfalls, especially for those facing legal proceedings such as court martial. Here’s how social media

Read More »