Top Air Force instructor guilty of raping trainees
An Air Force instructor at one of the busiest military training bases in the United States has been convicted of rape and sexual assault in a high-profile sex scandal.
Staff Sergeant Luis Walker was found guilty on charges of rape, aggravated sexual contact and aggravated sexual assault by a jury made up of fellow military personnel.
He faces dishonourable discharge and life in prison after the seven-person jury upheld that accusations he tried to cultivate a sexual relationship with two trainees.
The experienced instructor is among a dozen instructors from the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio investigated for sexual misconduct toward over 30 female trainees. Of six instructors charged for offences ranging from rape to adultery, Walker was the first to stand trial and faces the most serious charges of all accused.
One alleged victim wiped away tears as she told the hearing she had been lured into an office and sexually assaulted on a bed by Walker, who ignored her pleas to stop.
Other alleged victims also testified they were lured into an office or dormitory by Walker and forced into sexual relations. They didn't initially tell others of the assaults in fear of being kicked out of the air force.
