A US Army general used his superior rank to force five women
into i mproper sexual relations, military prosecutors said at
a hearing to determine if he should face a court-martial.
Brigadier General Jeffrey Sinclair, who is based at Fort
Bragg, is accused of 26 violations of military law. They
include forcible sodomy, wrongful sexual conduct, possessing
pornography while deployed and conduct unbecoming of an
officer.
The charges stem from inappropriate behavior toward four
female subordinates and one civilian over the last five
years, Army prosecutors said, revealing new details about the
charges announced against Sinclair in September.
Sinclair also is accused of claiming more than $4,000 worth
of charges for personal travel as military business, and of
deleting emails during the investigation, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said Sinclair used his rank to force the women
into sexual relations. Sinclair threatened to kill one
subordinate, or her family, if she told an yone, p rosecutors
said.
He also is accused of asking women to send him nude photos
and berating female subordinates on several occasions.
When asked by hearing officer Major General Perry Wiggins if
he would make a statement regarding the charges, Sinclair
said "No, sir." His defense team declined comment to
reporters.
Sinclair's lawyers asked that the case be dismissed or that
the government prosecutors be removed due to alleged
misconduct.
P rosecutors had reviewed thousands of confidential emails
between Sinclair, his attorneys and his wife, said Sinclair's
defense attorney, Lieutenant Colonel Jackie Thompson.
Wiggins postponed the proceedings while the emails were
reviewed by a legal adviser. He said court would reconvene on
Monday afternoon.
Wiggins will determine if Sinclair should stand trial on any
of the charges.
Sinclair is a 27-year Army veteran who US officials said was
sent home in May from Afghanistan, where he served as a
deputy commander for support, after the investigation.
Prosecutors said Sinclair had maintained one affair from 2007
to 2012, as well as other liaisons and attempts at
relationships. The alleged sexual contact took place in
Afghanistan, Iraq and Germany, and at military bases in the
United States.
Dozens of witnesses are expected to give testimony at the
hearing over several days.
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