Court martial concludes

  • Published
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Air Force concluded a general court martial April 1 for Airman 1st Class Jimmy Hughes, who was convicted on three violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Airman Hughes was convicted of one specification of rape, in violation of Article 120 of the UCMJ; one specification of forcible sodomy, in violation of Article 125 of the UCMJ; and one specification of disorderly conduct, in violation of Article 134 of the UCMJ. The trial was convened March 30 at the U.S. military courtroom on Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Airman Hughes is assigned to the 31st Security Forces Squadron.

The Air Force preferred charges against him following an investigation conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The case was heard by a military judge who is a U.S. Air Force colonel.

Airman Hughes' sentence consisted of a grade reduction to E-1, confinement for four years, and a dishonorable discharge. Airman Hughes had two years and 10 months time in service.

"We will continue to hold our Airmen accountable for their actions and conduct both on and off duty through our military justice system. Sexual assault is a crime and will not be tolerated in our Air Force," said Brig. Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., 31st FW commander. "Furthermore, I cannot stress enough how important it is that real wingmen take action to prevent sexual assault."

The 31st Fighter Wing began new Sexual Assault Prevention-Intervention training early in 2011 to teach its Airmen how to recognize signs of potentially dangerous situations in which an assault could occur, as well as techniques for intervention. April is Sexual Assault Awareness month across the Department of Defense. This year's focus is "Hurt One, Affects All."

Questions regarding this case should be directed to the 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at DSN: 314-632-7555, commercial line 0434-30-7555 or 31fw.panews@aviano.af.mil.

The Aviano Air Base Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office provides a 24-hour sexual assault response capability for all victims on the installation, and assigned geographically separated units. The SARC office is available at DSN 632-7272 (SARC) or commercial line 0434-30-7272.