Overview of Legal Proceedings
Legal proceedings have commenced this month for four Army soldiers charged in connection with the sexual assault of a college student at an Army barracks, according to a spokesperson for the military branch.
The charges were filed in April related to an incident that occurred on October 27 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, located southwest of Tacoma, Washington. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was described by Michelle McCaskill, spokesperson for the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, as a college student who has now been commissioned as an officer.
Details of Charges Against the Soldiers
McCaskill provided information to NBC affiliate KING of Seattle regarding the specific charges faced by the four soldiers, many of which carry multiple counts:
Cpl. Pedro Angel Ruiz
The 29-year-old soldier is charged with attempted sexual assault, principal to indecent recording, principal to distribution of indecent recording, conspiracy to commit sexual assault, and obstruction of justice. His trial is scheduled for November, and online court records did not indicate a plea.
Pvt. 2nd Class Deron J. Gordon
The 20-year-old soldier faces a range of charges including sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, and various principal charges related to attempted sexual assault, indecent recording, and conspiracy to commit sexual assault. Gordon has pleaded guilty, with a hearing set for September 3.
Spc. Jadon Bosarge
The 24-year-old is charged with sexual assault, principal to sexual assault, principal to attempted sexual assault, indecent recording, principal to indecent recording, principal to distribution of indecent recording, conspiracy to commit sexual assault, and obstruction of justice.
Pfc. Kallon Curiel
Also 24, Curiel faces similar charges, including sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, and additional specifications. Notably, Curiel is additionally charged with sexual assault of a child and sexual assault without consent related to another incident in Arizona.
Potential Sentences and Ongoing Proceedings
The Army typically appoints defense counsel in cases of this nature. As of now, representatives from the Defense Counsel Assistance Program have not responded to requests for comments regarding the defendants. Attempts to reach counsel listed for Ruiz were unsuccessful as of late Tuesday.
According to McCaskill, both sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault carry penalties of up to 30 years for each specification. Each defendant could face decades in prison if convicted.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged incident remain unclear, McCaskill stated, “The sexual assaults occurred at the same time and place with all charged soldiers present.” The trials for these individuals are set to unfold next month and may extend at least through November at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
