A former US Army general was convicted on Friday of sexually harassing a subordinate in what prosecutors called a historic charge. military the cause of justice
Lt. Col. Herman West, who was previously stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington, is facing multiple charges over his treatment of a young female officer in his command, KOMO News announced.
The subordinate officer, whose name has not been publicly released, testified in the JBLM forum that West harassed her for weeks beginning in the summer of 2023.
The West’s actions included taking women into bathrooms, making unwanted sexual comments and often touching her uncomfortably during military campaigns, KOMO News reported. The killer also made persistent sexual advances, including telling the woman he was excited to leave on his mission with Indonesia, so the two shared a hotel room and he was “super drunk” and “all over.”
The woman, who had just graduated from the college and the reserve officers’ training (ROTC), was initially reluctant to report West’s behavior, which was often teased about her uncle, former US congressman and Republican Party leader Allen West. Herman West had also fired human resources without the woman’s consent, preventing him from transferring her to another position.
However, the woman finally told West after he took off his military jacket and arranged his pantyhose in front of him as the two drove back to the base from lunch at a local restaurant.
An army colleague later convinced the woman to file a report against West. The woman also worried that she would be forced to go on a mission to Indonesia with West and, “if she dares to do that, she dares to do more,” she said, referring to West’s pants, KOMO News reported. A woman testified that she left the army after being harassed by the West.
After West’s punishment was found guilty, he received a written reprimand in the file of his military personnel. He was also fined more than $92,000 after previously serving time for a dishonorable discharge and potential prison time.
In court, West admitted his actions and apologized to the victim, adding that he had “failed” his colleagues.
The defense team argued that West’s release would harm the soldiers’ wives and children.
West is among the first cases to be charged before a military tribunal after new military justice reforms were passed under the Joe Biden presidential administration. Sexual harassment now criminal under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Advocates for military justice have celebrated the West’s commitment as a historic first step in supporting victims of sexual violence.
The ruling against West “represents a critical milestone in the ongoing fight to end sexual harassment and assault in the military,” said Josh Connolly, senior vice president. He protects our defendersan organization working to end sexual violence in the US armed forces. “I commend this brave service member for his exceptional bravery in coming to account for Lt Col West.
“This case, one of the first to be prosecuted under the new criminal sexual harassment statute, sends a clear message that sexual assault will not be tolerated in our armed forces.”