4 Army Soldiers Charged in Troubling On-Base Assault Case Involving New Officer and College Student

Legal proceedings have begun for four Army soldiers charged with the sexual assault of a college student at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. This case, which originated from an incident on October 27, highlights the serious issue of sexual misconduct in the military.

The soldiers charged include:

• Cpl. Pedro Angel Ruiz, 29: Facing multiple charges including attempted sexual assault and obstruction of justice. His court-martial trial is set for November.

• Pvt. 2nd Class Deron J. Gordon, 20: Charged with sexual assault and other related offenses. He has pleaded guilty, and a hearing is scheduled for September 3.

• Spc. Jadon Bosarge, 24: Also facing a variety of charges including sexual assault and conspiracy.

• Pfc. Kallon Curiel, 24: Charged with similar offenses and additionally accused of sexual assault of a child in Arizona.

The Army points out that sexual assault charges can lead to severe penalties, including up to 30 years in prison for each charge. This underscores how seriously the military takes these allegations.

Michelle McCaskill, from the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, noted that all four soldiers were present during the alleged assaults, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. It remains unclear how the prosecution intends to present evidence, but the accusations indicate a coordinated act.

The issue of sexual assault in the military is not new. According to a 2021 report by the Department of Defense, there were over 20,000 reported cases of sexual assault in the military, highlighting the need for ongoing reform and support for victims. This particular case adds to the ongoing conversation about how effective military protocols are in addressing such incidents.

As legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victim while examining the military’s efforts to combat sexual misconduct. The trials are expected to continue through November at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

For further insights, you can read more about sexual misconduct in the military here.

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