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Hearing begins for colonel charged with rape

WICHITA FALLS, Texas – A hearing at Sheppard Air Force today will help determine whether a former group commander — relieved in May — will stand trial after Air Force prosecutors charged him with rape and stealing from the Air Force.

A charge sheet obtained by Air Force Times lists in bare detail the charges against Col. Samuel Lofton III, former commander of the 82nd Training Group.

Prosecutors are accusing Lofton of “wrongfully and dishonorably” making unsolicited sexual comments to a female subordinate on multiple occasions, as well as kissing and pulling a female subordinate close to his body with “intent to gratify his sexual desires,” according to the charge sheet.

Lofton, on multiple occasions, grabbed a woman’s hand and rubbed it on his penis, prosecutors allege. He is also accused of stealing an amount “in excess of $500” from the Air Force, though the prosecution has not yet revealed the total alleged amount.

In total, Lofton is charged with rape, four counts of indecent assault, two counts of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, 20 counts of larceny, two counts of dereliction of duty, and one count of absence without leave under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

His Article 32 hearing, akin to a civilian grand jury hearing, begins today at Sheppard Air Force Base.

The investigating officer is Col. Tim Wilson, a judge from Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio. Lofton is represented by a team of Air Force attorneys. He continues to perform “various administrative duties” with the 80th Flying Wing at Sheppard, according to the base’s public affairs office.

The investigating officer will prepare a report to the 82nd Training Wing Commander and the 2nd Air Force Commander, which will include a recommendation into whether Lofton should be court-martialed.

If the case is referred to a court-martial, a trial date will be set by the government and the defense counsel.

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