Posted on 05/16/2019 7:08:38 PM PDT by usafa92
A special operations pilot at the Air Force Academy is accused of rape, rape of a child and three counts of sexual abuse of a child, the school announced Thursday.
Maj. Travis J. Burns will appear in military court Monday for an Article 32 hearing, which “is similar to a civilian grand jury proceeding,” an academy news release says. “The primary role of the hearing is to determine if probable cause exists to support the charge and its specifications.”
A preliminary hearing officer presides over the hearing and submits a report of the proceedings with recommendations to the special court-martial convening authority — in this case, the commandant of cadets. The commandant will decide whether to dismiss the case, recommend that it be referred to a general court martial or “dispose of the case through other disciplinary or administrative action,” the release says.
The child involved in the alleged rape and repeated sexual abuses was under the age of 12, Burns’ charge sheet shows. Those alleged crimes happened in 2017 and 2018 in Colorado Springs.
An earlier rape is alleged to have occurred in December 2013 near Clovis, N.M., and involved a woman.
Burns is assigned to Cadet Squadron 23 at the academy, military records show. His title is chief of plans and programs.
Special operations airmen are tasked with “being mentally tougher, physically stronger, and ardently committed to serving our country and protecting our freedom,” the Air Force’s website says. “A job for the best of the best, this elite team of heroes goes where others won’t because they are trained and ready to do what others can’t.”
Burns joined the Air Force on June 28, 2005. He has received awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.
Absolutely unbelievable!
If I had to guess, I’d say this man likely has a significant porn addiction.
Whatever the maximum possible sentence the JAG can get, it still won't be severe enough.
You would think that he had a lot to lose. It tends to keep the rest of us on the straight and narrow. Serving time won’t correct his perversions.
Wonder if this had anything to do with the commandant getting fired.
Yep, another fine moment. My son graduates from OTS next week. He is ready to move on, to MQ-9 training.
“Special operations pilot?” Huh? Did they feel left out because the Marine have Force Recon, the Navy has Seals and Army has Rangers? What a crock. Their missions statement is a load as well.
Under the UCMJ max punishment for rape is death.
I think that was back when the Clintons were in the White House.
sick bassturd
Firing squads are good for folks like that.
Airman Basic Burns will do 20 years hard labor at Fort Leave nworth.
“Their missions statement is a load as well.”
I see you’ve never met a PJ.
Semper Fi.
L
Candidate for gelding followed by life in prison.
>”Under the UCMJ max punishment for rape is death.”<
You’re right. But, when is the last time it was dished out?
I had a feral soldier under me in the mid 80s Germany. He was charged with 29 counts of rape, and 2 deaths. Convicted of 27 rapes. The Germans initially turned him over to the US Military for prosecution since 10 yrs was the max for rape in Germany. And they wanted the death penalty. Well, Reagan denied that punishment and the soldier got life.
If the death penalty wasn’t given to this soldier, then I am sure no other person received it either.
That’s a marine uniform. Not him.
CC
Or a Combat Controller.
Haha!
Semper Fi my FRiend
How little do you know about the military? SMFH
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.