DENVER (AP) — The Air Force Academy's decision to court-martial a cadet on rape charges is being hailed as a promising sign that officials want to address the school's sexual assault scandal.
Douglas Meester, 20, is the first cadet to face a military trial on rape charges since the scandal broke earlier this year. He is charged with rape, sodomy, indecent assault and providing alcohol to minors.
Brig. Gen. John Weida announced his decision Wednesday to court-martial Meester rather than accept an officer's recommendation for administrative punishment. Weida became cadet commandant earlier this year in a management shake-up that stemmed from the scandal.
No date has been set for the court-martial. If convicted, Meester could face life in prison and dismissal from the Air Force.