Instructor faces trial on rape, assault charges - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Instructor faces trial on rape, assault charges

A former Air Force instructor will face a general court-martial for allegedly engaging in sexual conduct and unprofessional relationships with female basic trainees.

Staff Sgt. Luis Walker, a former military training instructor with the 326th Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is facing multiple charges including:

• One specification of rape.

• Six specifications of aggravated sexual assault.

• One specification of aggravated sexual contact.

• 18 specifications of violating the lawful order and lawful general regulation regarding unprofessional relationships with trainees.

• One specification of adultery.

• One specification of obstruction of justice.

The charges stem from allegations made by 10 former trainees that date back to October 2010. Walker had been an MTI since the summer of 2010, when charges were brought against him Nov. 28, 2011, according to 502nd Air Base Wing spokesman Brent Boller.

Charges were preferred for a general court-martial after an Article 32 for Walker was completed Dec. 19. Brig. Gen. Theresa C. Carter, commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing at Joint Base San Antonio, preferred the charges for court-martial after hearing testimony from all 10 women.

Walker and his civilian attorney Joseph Esparza did not participate in the hearing, Boller said. Walker has been reassigned to the 737th Training Group headquarters, where he has no contact with trainees.

A trial date has not yet been set, according to Boller.