Aviano officer convicted in general court-martial Published Nov. 2, 2012 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- A lieutenant colonel assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing was convicted by a general court-martial here Nov. 2 for five separate violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Lt. Col. James H. Wilkerson, former 31st FW inspector general, was convicted of two specifications in violation of Article 120, for abusive sexual contact and aggravated sexual assault; and three specifications in violation of Article 133, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. Wilkerson was sentenced to one year of confinement and dismissal from the Air Force. The Air Force preferred charges against Wilkerson following an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations which began in early 2012 when an American female civilian employee came forward with allegations of criminal conduct. "The Air Force and the 31st Fighter Wing are dedicated to a culture where sexual assault is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated," said Brig. Gen. Scott J. Zobrist, 31st FW commander. "A safe working and living environment is absolutely essential for every member of Team Aviano. Sexual assault threatens the very fabric of our community."