LTC Lakin, convicted on all counts by a general court-martial, has been sentenced.
The sentence is a dismissal, confinement for six months, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances. The dismissal — the only form of punitive discharge authorized for an officer — is generally regarded as equivalent to a dishonorable discharge and cuts off substantially all benefits incident to military service. If approved by the convening authority, it will entitle LTC Lakin to automatic review of his case by the Army Court of Criminal Appeals. He can waive that review, but such waivers are relatively rare. Unless the convening authority grants a deferment of confinement, LTC Lakin will start his sentence today.
Colonel Sullivan reports that there was no reaction from LTC Lakin or from the half-dozen or so birthers remaining in the spectators’ gallery. The military judge thanked the members for their service, and excused them. The courtroom was then cleared to allow LTC Lakin privacy.
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Thanks for the update. This is good news for Lakin. He only got 6 months. Evidently, the Army didn’t want to make a martyr of him. They got what they wanted guilty pleas and an admission that the orders were lawful.
Wow! Wow! I thought he would get this ruling, but when you read it....Wow! I feel bad for the guy but he did so many wrong things not only with regards to UCMJ but the entire process of getting to the Courts Martial. It is a shame that it happened right before Christmas. I don’t necessarily think of him as a hero at all but I for some reason feel bad for the guy. His lawyer should be ashamed!!!!!