A Senior Enlisted Member stationed at Camp Humphreys in South Korea was charged with AWOL, two counts of false official statements, two counts of disobeying a direct order, maltreatment of a female enlisted subordinate, housebreaking and sexual assault. The Senior Enlisted Member faced the possibility of 18 years confinement, Dishonorable Discharge and sex offender registration if convicted of the sexual assault.
Duane Kees was able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution whereby the government dismissed one of the false official statement charges in return for the Senior Enlisted Member pleading guilty to the AWOL, one count of false official statement and two counts of disobeying a direct order, all without any punishment or adverse action taken against the defendant. After a four day trial, the Senior Enlisted Member was found guilty of the maltreatment and housebreaking, but not guilty of the sexual assault, thus ensuring no sex offender registration.
After trial, Duane was able to put on an extensive and successful sentencing case, and as a result, the military panel sentenced the Senior Enlisted Member to only a one grade reduction in pay, without incarceration. The Senior Enlisted Member is still serving honorably today.
