Second court martial concludes

  • Published
  • By 31st Fighter Wing
  • Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Air Force concluded a general court martial Oct. 7 for Airman First Class Korey Talkington, who was convicted of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Airman Talkington was convicted of three specifications of attempted aggravated sexual assault in violation of Article 120 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. The trial was convened Oct. 4 at the U.S. military courtroom on Aviano AB, where Airman Talkington, belonging to the 31st Munitions Squadron, was stationed.

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 panel of 31st Fighter Wing officers and enlisted members; the judge presiding over the trial was a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel.

Airman 1st Class Talkington's sentence consists of grade reduction to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, a bad conduct discharge from the Air Force, and to be confined for eight months, which began Oct. 7. The victim was a female dependent of a military member.

"Let there be no doubt, the Air Force has zero tolerance for sexual assault. The conclusions of this case provide an opportunity to reiterate that Air Force members are held to the highest standards of personal conduct and that our military justice system plays a key role in ensuring good order and discipline," said Brig. Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., 31st FW commander.

"Sexual assault has consequences for the victim, the perpetrator, and the units involved long after the incident," said Col. Patrick McClelland, 31st FW vice commander. "As Airmen, we must do everything in our power to intervene when necessary to prevent sexual assault and other criminal activity."

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 Department of Defense's policy is that sexual assault has no place in the United States armed forces. For more information about the DoD Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Office, visit http://www.sapr.mil. A 31st FW sexual assault response coordinator is reachable at DSN 632-7272 or 0434-30-7272, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as is the 31st FW law enforcement desk at DSN 632-7200 or 0434-30-7200.