Sex crimes not unusual at Fort Sill
BY PHILLIP O'CONNOR NewsOK.com
Sunday, July 08, 2012
7/08/12 at 6:06 AM
FORT SILL - Because they had been friends since shortly after basic training, the 18-year-old private thought nothing of it in January when another member of her unit invited her to his barracks room to watch a movie.
There, he turned on her. He forced his hand down her shorts, grabbed her breast and exposed himself. When she resisted, he choked her.
Last month, the soldier found himself in a courtroom at this sprawling Army post 85 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, facing a court-martial.
Seven years after the Pentagon committed to crack down on sexual crimes in the ranks, such cases continue to plague the military.
Click here to read the complete article at NewsOK.com.
2011 Fort Sill courts-martial for sexual assault
Staff Sgt. Luis A. Vasquez: Convicted of engaging in sexual contact with a male soldier, furnishing alcohol to an underage male soldier and violating Army Command Policy by having an inappropriate relationship with a male soldier. Sentenced to reduction in rank to sergeant, forfeiture of $2,600 pay per month for three months and three months confinement.
Spc. Anthony D. McGeathy: Convicted of engaging in sexual contact on two occasions with two different male soldiers and making a false official statement. Sentenced to reduction in rank to private, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement for two years and a dishonorable discharge.
Staff Sgt. Daniel H. Gaskins: Convicted of carnal knowledge with a female who had reached the age of 12, but was under the age of 16, committing indecent acts with a female under the age of 16, and committing an indecent assault upon a female soldier, not his wife. Sentenced to reduction in rank to private, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement for nine years and a dishonorable discharge.
Staff Sgt. Marrius Z. Garth: Convicted of wrongfully touching a female soldier, violating an Army regulation forbidding the use of "bath salts" and having a personal relationship with a female subordinate soldier. Sentenced to reduction in rank to specialist, forfeiture of $1,200 pay per month for two months, two months confinement and two months hard labor without confinement.
Spc. Thomas C. Flesher: Convicted of engaging in sexual contact with a female soldier and furnishing alcohol to two minors. Sentenced to reduction in rank to private, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement for seven year and dishonorable discharge.
poconnor@opubco.com
