SAN ANTONIO - The military sex scandal at Lackland has now hit the federal main stage. One California congresswoman is fighting to bring this story to the forefront and use it as a tool for change.
Earlier today Representative Jackie Speier out of California sent a letter to the House Armed Services Committee. She's asking that committee to investigate the sex scandal that's been uncovered here at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland.
Four Lackland instructors have been charged with sexual misconduct. At least one of those instructors, Staff Sergeant Peter Vega-Maldonado, admitted to having sex with one woman and will be forced to leave the air force.
But according to Speier's letter at least 31 other instructors have been temporarily or permanently removed. The allegations they're facing include assault or having an inappropriate sexual relationship with their trainees.
In the last year Representative Speier has been very vocal about the military's handling of sexual assault cases. She even introduced the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act, also known as STOP, which would take the reporting investigating and victim care away from the military chain of command and give it to an outside agency.
"If the military is as vigilant as they say they are, how could such a repetitive, wide-spread, and sickening behavior still be occurring,” Representative Speier asked while addressing the House last week. “What is happening at Lackland flies in the face of what we are being told by our military. Is this what zero tolerance means in the military?"
In response to Representative Speier's letter, Colonel Polly Kenny of the Air Force sent us this statement:
“The Air Force takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, especially in the training environment. All levels of command are actively engaged to ensure the safety of the trainees. Aggressive investigations are ongoing. Commanders will continue to hold any offenders accountable under the military justice system."
We'll keep you posted on any investigation that may be conducted by the House Armed Services Committee, if they decide to take up this issue.
