United States v. Lofton
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
69 M.J. 386 (2011)
- Written by Salina Kennedy, JD
Facts
Colonel Samuel Lofton, III (defendant) attempted to establish an unprofessional personal relationship with Chief Master Sergeant RM, an enlisted woman. Lofton called RM on her work cell phone after-hours, attempted to call her personal cell phone, and sent her emails suggesting they get together outside of work. Several of Lofton’s interactions with RM involved unwelcome comments of a sexual nature. As a result of these comments, RM testified that she lost respect for Lofton as a military officer. Lofton was charged with engaging in conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman in violation of Article 133 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and was convicted by a general court-martial. The United States Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed Lofton’s conviction. Lofton appealed, arguing his conviction was not supported by sufficient evidence because the comments he made to RM were breaches of etiquette that did not rise to the level of an Article 133 violation.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Stucky, J.)
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