MGen Horn
Posted on 04/23/2003 9:10:00 AM PDT by Cogadh na Sith
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- New Mexico's highest-ranking military official quietly resigns, but a Target 7 investigation finds the resignation is clouded by scandal.
Investigative reporter Larry Barker uncovers the truth about the sudden departure of Adjutant General Randall Horn.
He is a two-star general appointed four years ago to head up New Mexico's National Guard.
His resignation yesterday came as a surprise.
Governor Richardson was quoted as saying, it was General Horn's decision to leave the guard, and he had done a good job.
But that's not the real story.
"He crossed the line and that's why this is a serious offense," said Virgil Vigil, a retired military officer who directly negotiated with the governor's office on behalf of the family about alleged misconduct by General Horn.
Vigil says Horn had an improper personal relationship with a subordinate officer.
She is identified as an active duty staff sergeant who works at the Air National Guard as a secretary.
"They traveled extensively together. He helped her with her homework at the community college. I know he constantly called her five times a week. I know that he would actually have lunch with her three or four times a week," said Vigil.
We have learned the Air Guard secretary is married with two small children, but as a result of her friendship with Horn, she is now separated from her husband.
We have also learned recordings between Horn and the Air Guard Sergeant have been turned over the governor's office.
The allegations of fraternization by a military officer were brought to the military's attention one week ago, and late last week the governor's office negotiated with Vigil to work out a settlement.
According to Vigil, the governor decided to do nothing.
"The governor decided to do nothing. The governor decided to let Randy Horn, despite the allegations, retire graciously and basically what it is is a cover-up," said Vigil.
Fraternization is an improper relationship between a military officer and a subordinate. It is a serious offense, and punishable by court marshal, possible jail time, or loss of rank, or pension.
Neither General Horn nor the governor's office returned phone calls for comment.
The Air Force says it will launch an official investigation into the activities of General Horn.
The interesting thing here is Gov Richardson's decision to allow him to retire gracefully without investigation or comment--essentially covering for 'Horn Dog' the way he tried to cover for 'Big Dog' (Clinton).
Breaking Hard here in NM...
Completely unsurprising.
Sheesh do ALL women in the military or have a guy in the armed forces cheat on their spouses? Regardless more proof never to get married.
She is identified as an active duty staff sergeant who works at the Air National Guard as a secretary.
OK, it's nitpicking -- but she wasn't an officer, though she did work in one....
"Staff" sergeant seems to have been about the right rank for her, though.
(The mind reels at what he'd be doing with a Technical Sergeant or a Master Sergeant -- probably involving equipment and leather, respectively....)
It is a case of that. Horn was a bad guy and crappy leader. However, if there was criminality by the UCMJ and the Gov office did nothing, and tried to cover it up....
This guy was boinking his female officers as well. He had a harem.
Don't be so jaded. Not everyone's like that. I've been married since I was 23 and I'm 49 now. We've never had a problem with cheating. Thought about it a few times, but with HIV/AIDS and all the other not so good things that could be caught and brought home, made it not worth doing. Keep the faith.
I don't think so, but if the Air Force investigation results in charges, he will look like he covered-up for Horn.
It could be a good campaign issue.
I cannot describe to you the damage that Horn's well-known personal conduct was having on the NM Guard.
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