Air Force Colonel Charged with Sexual Assault of Junior Officer

An Air Force colonel has been indicted while in custody for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a junior female officer. The Cheongju District Prosecutors' Office announced on April 14 that Colonel A, from the 17th Fighter Wing, has been charged with sexual harassment and attempted rape under military law.

The incident reportedly occurred on October 24 of last year, after a gathering with fellow service members outside the base. Colonel A is accused of trying to sexually assault Officer B, who had accompanied him back to his residence. Investigations revealed that he also groped her in a photo booth before they reached the residence and continued to harass her during their transit.

During the investigation, Colonel A denied all allegations. However, Officer B submitted a medical report indicating she sustained injuries while resisting his advances, and prosecutors found her testimony credible, supported by surveillance footage from near the residence.

Following the incident, the Air Force has relieved Colonel A of his duties and plans to determine disciplinary actions based on the trial's outcome.