United States Air Force Basic Training scandal

The Air Force Basic Training scandal was a military sex scandal at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The scandal involved 43 female trainees who alleged being victimized by their Military Training Instructors during and after basic military training starting from 2009. Seventeen male instructors were accused of offenses ranging from seeking improper relationships to rape and 35 instructors were removed from their posts pending investigations. Nine of the accused instructors belonged to the 331st Training Squadron. The commander of the 331st Training Squadron, Lt. Col. Mike Paquette, was removed from command in June 2012 because of the problems in his unit. In August 2012 the commander of the 737th training group, Col. Glenn Palmer, was also relieved from his position due to the scandal.

Events
Investigation into the scandal began in June 2011 when a trainee reported suspected sexual misconduct. In November, three instructors reported possible misconduct after overhearing fellow MTIs "talking about something that was completely unacceptable" according to General Edward Rice, head of the Air Education and Training Command. In June 2012, Staff Sgt. Peter Vega-Maldonado made a plea deal, admitting to having an improper relationship and violating a no-contact order for which he received a 90 day jail sentence. He also agreed to testify against other accused MTI’s for immunity for other related crimes. It was later revealed Vega-Maldonado had sex with nine other trainees.

The second case to proceed to court martial in the scandal was for Staff Sgt. Luis Walker of the 326th Training Squadron, involving 28 counts against him including charges of rape, aggravated sexual contact, and multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault. Ten former trainees testified against Walker in his week long trial. He was accused of having sexual intercourse with four of the recruits. Walker was convicted on all 28 counts and was sentenced to 20 years in jail. Walker will also have to register as a sex offender.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Smith was charged with conducting an improper relationship with one trainee and seeking an improper, personal and intimate relationship with another trainee as well as obstruction of justice. The charges stemmed from an incident in spring 2011 when Smith drove two trainees off-base to meet with fellow instructor Master Sgt. Jamey Crawford. Smith was convicted and sentenced to 30 days confinement and reduction in rank to Airman First Class.

Master Sgt. Jamey Crawford is accused of an improper sexual relationship, providing alcohol to a trainee, and committing adultery.

Staff Sgt. Kwinton Estacio is charged with sexual misconduct with a basic training student, abusing his authority, and obstructing justice. Estacio faces a maximum punishment of 43 years confinement.

Staff Sgt. Craig LeBlanc is charged with sexual misconduct, obstructing justice and making a false official statement. He is accused of using his post as a military instructor to sexually assault and pursue a sexual relationship with one female trainee, and having a wrongful sexual relationship with another. No trial date has been set.