First-Ever Court Martial Trial Convicts US Air Force General Officer Of Abusive Sexual Conduct

A US Air Force general officer was found guilty of abusive sexual contact in an Ohio military court in Ohio. The case is the first-ever court-martial trial and conviction of a general officer in the military branch.

Maj. Gen. William T. Cooley was found guilty on one of three specifications of sexual assault that was connected to a 2018 incident that took place in New Mexico.

A senior military judge ruled that he was guilty of “the first specification, ‘kissing (the victim) on the lips and tongue, with an intent to gratify his sexual desire,'” the statement continued.

However, the judge ruled that the General was not guilty of the two other specifications.

According to the Air Force statement, the victim testified that “Cooley asked for a ride after a backyard day-long social event.”

“During the short ride, she said he told her that he fantasized about having sex with her. She alleged he pressed her up against the driver’s side window, forcibly kissed and groped her through her clothes,” it continued.

The Air Force does not release names of sexual assault victims. However, the victim did consent to allow news organizations to disclose her relationship with the defendant without identifying her by name.

The victim’s attorney, Ryan Guilds, praised the court-martial process, calling it “fair” and also commended his client’s bravery throughout of the litigation process.

“It is very hard to be a survivor in a criminal case,” Guilds said in a statement. “That is one of the many reasons you see so few of these cases go to court-martial.”