Four cadets charged with steroid-related violations

  • Published
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Air Force Academy officials announced July 6 that four cadets have been charged with steroid-related violations.

The cadets involved are Cadets 1st Class Eric Swartz and Jonathan Belkowitz, and Cadets 2nd Class Overton Spence Jr. and Matthew Ward. They are being charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s Article 112a. If convicted, they face confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and dismissal from the academy.

Cadet Swartz is charged with wrongful use, importation, introduction and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance. An Article 32 hearing is scheduled for July 28. He faces a maximum of 65 years confinement if convicted on all charges.

Cadet Belkowitz is charged with wrongful use, importation, introduction and distribution of a controlled substance. He is also charged with violating the UCMJ’s Article 107: making a false official written statement. He has waived his right to an Article 32 hearing. A trial date has not yet been set. He faces a maximum of 55 years confinement if convicted on all charges.

Cadet Spence is charged with wrongful use, distribution and possession of a controlled substance. Cadet Spence also waived his right to an Article 32 hearing. His case has been submitted to the superintendent to determine if it will go to court-martial. He faces a maximum of 25 years confinement if convicted on all charges.

Cadet Ward is charged with wrongful use and possession of a controlled substance. He waived his right to an Article 32 hearing and his case is awaiting a trial date. He faces a maximum of 10 years confinement if convicted on all charges.