Air Force Officer Acquitted in Sexual Assault Case: What It Means for Military Justice

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is a premier global military defense firm led by Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington—two of the most experienced court-martial lawyers and UCMJ experts in the world. With clients defended across 12 countries and decades of felony jury trial experience, they stand at the forefront of modern military justice defense.

Case Spotlight: Lt. Col. JK Acquitted

In one of the most controversial military-linked sexual assault cases of the last decade, Air Force Lt. Col. JK—a former head of the Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention Office—was fully acquitted by a civilian jury after being accused of groping a woman outside a Virginia bar.

Key Takeaways for Service Members

• Article 32 hearings can make or break the government’s case—understanding their true function is crucial.
• Media coverage and public outrage often distort the facts and pressure commanders to act politically, not legally.
• Hiring a strategic, battle-tested civilian military defense lawyer can expose weaknesses in the government’s narrative.

What This Case Reveals About Military Sexual Assault Allegations

In the wake of high-profile documentaries like The Invisible War, Congress and the military have aggressively altered military justice procedures, particularly around sex crimes. But these reforms have empowered politically motivated prosecutions and overzealous victim advocacy groups that sometimes ignore the rights of the accused.

As attorneys Michael Waddington and Ernesto Gapasin explain in this in-depth analysis, reforms aimed at justice often backfire—removing due process protections and incentivizing exaggerated or false claims for benefits and leverage.

Expert Trial Commentary

In this episode of the Military Law News Network, attorneys Michael Waddington and Ernesto Gapasin break down:

• How Article 32 hearings help the prosecution—not the defense
• The dangers of media-driven justice
• The rise of emotional policymaking over evidence-based reform
• Why military justice may be sacrificing fairness for optics

About Gonzalez & Waddington

• Led by Michael Waddington, author of The Art of Trial Warfare, and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, a bilingual trial lawyer born in Puerto Rico
• Over 20 years of elite military trial experience
• Cases tried in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Germany, and across the U.S.
• Recognized by peers and media as global leaders in UCMJ and court-martial defense

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m accused of a military sex crime?

Contact an experienced civilian military defense lawyer immediately. Avoid speaking to investigators or command without legal counsel.

Are Article 32 hearings helpful to the defense?

In some cases, yes—but often they serve to lock in witness testimony and help the prosecution perfect their case. Consult a lawyer to determine whether to waive or proceed.

How do I contact Gonzalez & Waddington?

Call 800-921-8607 or visit ucmjdefense.com to schedule a confidential case review.

Watch the Full Video Breakdown

Download our free UCMJ Survival Guide to protect your future and understand your legal rights.