SAN ANTONIO -- It's being called the worst case so far in the sex scandals plaguing Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) – Lackland Air Force Base.
Recruiting Tech Sergeant Jaime R. Rodriguez is accused of more than a dozen cases of sexual misconduct, rape, and obstructing justice. Eighteen women have come forward with allegations against Rodriguez. That’s aside from the 56 combined alleged claims against the military training instructors.
“The recruiting officials tell us that this is probably the worst case that they have had in recent recruiting history and possibly ever,” JBSA spokesperson Brent Boller said.
Rodriguez is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday for alleged multiple sex crimes against women looking to join the military.
“He's accused of forcible sodomy, rape, and adultery among other charges and specifications,” explained Boller.
While Rodriguez worked out of Lake Jackson, near Houston, he was assigned to JBSA-Lackland where the hearing will take place. The 13-year veteran could get life in prison if he goes to trial and is convicted.
Since the sex scandals at JBSA-Lackland surfaced more than a year ago, 30 Air Force military instructors have been investigated, and 56 alleged victims have come forward. Of those 30, six have been convicted by court martial, and six others are pending court martial. One did not go to court and was instead given a non-judicial form of punishment. Seventeen are currently under investigation.
Boller said it's important to know many of the allegations against the military instructors are not sexual assault.
“A good many of them are developing on unprofessional relationships, texting, sexting, unwanted touching, this kind of thing,” said Boller.
Another training instructor, Master Sergeant Jamey Crawford, will also face a preliminary hearing on Tuesday for sexual allegations made against him.
