Academy cadet receives Article 15

  • Published
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  A cadet here charged with sexual harassment in April has received non-judicial punishment. He also faces disenrollment from the academy, discharge from the Air Force and recoupment of his education costs.

Cadet 2nd Class Jason Nicklas Lewis, a junior, received an Article 15 on Sept. 23 for violations of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. The first charge was for conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, with two specifications of sexual harassment. The second charge was for indecent assault, with one specification of indecent assault.

On Sept. 24, Lewis was given his punishment: forfeiture of pay for two months, restriction to the limits of the academy for 30 days, and a reprimand. He also faces disenrollment from the academy, discharge from the Air Force, and recoupment of his education costs.

Academy officials expect that he will be discharged under other than honorable conditions. Individuals who are discharged under other than honorable conditions are ineligible for veterans’ benefits and face limitations on further federal employment.

Officials said their reasons for issuing the Article 15 in lieu of court-martial were:

-- They did not wish to re-victimize the victims with the trauma and stress of a public court-martial.

-- Punishment is assured with an Article 15, where it may not have been in a court-martial.

-- This was a sexual assault case, but did not include rape.

-- The cost of Lewis’ education could be recouped, which will exceed more than $120,000.

-- Lewis will be discharged from the military.

The two victims in this case were notified in advanced that the case would not go to court and that nonjudicial action and a discharge were being considered against Lewis. Neither victim voiced an objection, according to the academy’s staff judge advocate office.