The Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency announced on March 5th that they have forwarded Colonel A of the 17th Fighter Wing to the prosecution without detention on charges of sexual assault and attempted rape (violation of the Military Criminal Act) against a female junior officer.
Incident Summary:
Colonel A is accused of sexually assaulting and attempting to rape Officer B after a unit dinner on October 24th of last year, while she was giving him a ride to his residence.
Prior to the incident, Colonel A was investigated for inappropriate physical contact with Officer B inside a photo booth.
At his residence, he attempted to rape Officer B using physical force, but was unsuccessful due to her resistance.
Officer B sustained injuries while resisting Colonel A's attempted rape, resulting in a two-week medical diagnosis.
Colonel A's DNA was found on Officer B's underwear, serving as crucial evidence.
Victim Testimony and Additional Circumstances:
According to counseling records from the Military Human Rights Center, Colonel A also demanded bribes from Officer B during the attempted rape.
Officer B resisted, stating, "I am only three years younger than your daughter. You also have a wife," but Colonel A continued his attempts.
Officer B eventually fled the residence without her shoes.
Accused's Claims and Investigation Results:
During police questioning, Colonel A denied the charges, claiming that the physical contact in the photo booth was accidental during posing, and that while he had consumed alcohol at his residence, there was no inappropriate physical contact.
However, the National Forensic Service's analysis revealed Colonel A's DNA on Officer B's underwear.
The police forwarded Colonel A to the prosecution based on this DNA evidence and Officer B's testimony.
Post-Incident Measures and Military Internal Situation:
Colonel A has been relieved of his duties and transferred to another unit.
The Air Force plans to determine disciplinary measures for Colonel A based on the court's ruling.
Meanwhile, reports of sexual violence crimes against female soldiers within the military are rapidly increasing. According to data from Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee, a total of 2,645 reports of sexual violence against female soldiers were filed with military police between 2020 and September 2023.
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