Cadet declares innocence at hearing

  • Published
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Cadet 3rd Class Douglas L. Meester declared his innocence during an Article 32 hearing May 14 at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

Although the sophomore admitted during the hearing that he was not the perfect person, student or cadet, Meester said he is not a rapist.

Meester is charged with violating Uniformed Code of Military Justice Article 120, for rape; Article 125, for forcible sodomy; Article 133, for conduct unbecoming by providing alcohol to minors; and Article 134, for indecent assault. Air Force officials now must decide whether or not to court-martial Meester.

If these offenses go to court-martial, Meester faces a maximum punishment of confinement for life, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and dismissal from the Air Force.