Col. testifies in air academy rape case, By Jon Sarche, Associated Press Writer |

Col. testifies in air academy rape case, By Jon Sarche, Associated
Press Writer |

(EXCERPT)April 16, 2004

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --A retired Air Force colonel said he
thought the case of a cadet accused of rape involved "consensual sex
in the dorm by people who were underage drinking."

Robert Eskridge, the former vice commandant of cadets who was fired
amid questions about the Air Force Academy's handling of sexual abuse
claims, testified Thursday on behalf of cadet Douglas Meester. Meester
is charged with assaulting an 18-year-old woman after a night of
drinking tequila at the academy in October 2002.

The woman has said she passed out and awoke as Meester raped her, but
defense attorneys say she never told him to stop and did not resist.
Meester, who is on leave from the academy, could face up to life in
prison and dismissal from the Air Force if found guilty.

The hearing was to continue Friday. Judge Col. Barbara Brand said she
hopes to issue a written ruling by May 8.

Eskridge, who now works for Lockheed Martin, testified at a hearing on
a defense motion to throw out the case. Meester's attorneys contend
rape charges were filed only because the Air Force wanted to show it
was being tough on sexual assault in the midst of a scandal.

Many women cadets came forward last year alleging they were sexually
assaulted at the academy and then punished, ignored or ostracized by
commanders. Top leaders w...

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Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com