Major General Phillip Stewart, a two-star general in the U.S. Air Force, is facing a landmark jury court-martial in Texas, marking the first time a general’s trial is being heard by a jury. Stewart, the former commander of the 19th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio, pleaded guilty to two lesser charges on Monday as his court-martial began, but he continues to contest more serious allegations.
Stewart admitted to pursuing an unprofessional relationship with a subordinate and adultery during a motions hearing at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. However, he pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault, dereliction of duty, and conduct unbecoming an officer. The charges of sexual assault stem from an alleged incident involving a female officer near Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma in April 2023. Stewart also faces allegations of flying a training aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol, which violates Air Education and Training Command regulations in place since 2020.
The pursuit of the unprofessional relationship is said to have occurred between March and May 2023, according to authorities. Stewart acknowledged that the sexual encounter, which occurred while he was married, was consensual, leading to his guilty plea for adultery. He is now divorced. The potential penalties for these guilty pleas include forfeiture of pay, a reprimand, or up to 18 months in prison.
Stewart requested a jury for the remaining charges, leading to the selection of a panel of eight high-ranking officers who began their duties on Monday. The jury, composed of six men and two women, had to meet specific criteria, being of equal or greater rank than Stewart or of the same rank but pinned before him. The selection process was complex, involving detailed scrutiny to ensure impartiality.
The court-martial is presided over by military judge Col. Matthew Stoffel, with the trial expected to last through the week. This case is notable not only for its historical significance but also for the procedural intricacies involved in sitting a jury of high-ranking officers.
Major General Stewart’s court-martial follows the 2022 conviction of Maj. Gen. William Cooley, who was found guilty of sexual abuse by a military judge.
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