Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, formerly in charge of pilot training in the Air Force, has been charged with several crimes, including sexual assault and dereliction of duty. The accusations stem from incidents during Stewart’s visits to Altus Air Force Base and an official trip to Colorado. An upcoming hearing on October 24th will determine if there is adequate evidence for a court-martial. If convicted, Stewart could face a range of penalties, from dismissal to up to 66 years of confinement.
Key Points:
- Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart faces multiple charges, including two counts of sexual assault, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
- Allegations include non-consensual sexual acts during a visit to Altus Air Force Base and violations of Air Force regulations regarding alcohol consumption before piloting an aircraft.
- An Article 32 hearing, akin to a grand jury proceeding, is scheduled for October 24th at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
- Stewart was removed from his position as 19th Air Force commander in May due to leadership concerns and has been reassigned to a staff role.
- This marks the second instance an Air Force general officer has faced charges for a sexual crime; the previous case involving Maj. Gen. Bill Cooley resulted in his retirement after a conviction.
