In a decision underscoring the military’s commitment to address allegations of sexual misconduct within its ranks, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has denied a retirement request from Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, who is facing charges of sexual assault and other crimes. Stewart, formerly in command of the 19th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, now awaits a court-martial set for June 17, 2024.
Stewart’s legal troubles began in April 2023 when he was accused of committing a sex act without consent near Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Further complicating his case, he faces additional charges of conduct unbecoming an officer for allegedly inviting an individual to “spend the night alone with him in his private hotel room” in March 2023 while on official travel in Denver, Colorado. Additionally, Stewart is charged with extramarital sexual conduct and dereliction of duty, the latter involving an alleged failure to refrain from assuming control of an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol.
Stewart’s lead attorney, Sherilyn Bunn, expressed anticipation for the forthcoming judicial proceedings, stating, “We are looking forward to our day in court.” Despite Stewart’s plea of not guilty in March, the gravity of the charges led to his relief from command due to a “loss of confidence in his ability to lead,” as cited by Air Education and Training Command.
A notable aspect of the case is its historic significance, as Stewart becomes only the second Air Force general charged with a sexual crime. The first instance occurred in 2022 with then-Maj. Gen. William Cooley, who was convicted of abusive sexual contact and received a sentence that included forfeiture of pay and a letter of reprimand.
Stewart submitted his retirement in lieu of a court-martial in January, a request that was formally denied by Secretary Kendall on February 20, 2024. Kendall addressed the media on the matter at an Air and Space Forces Association conference, emphasizing, “Gen. Stewart has not been convicted yet, so I don’t want to say anything about his guilt or innocence. We take these cases incredibly seriously.”
Relevant articles:
– Air Force General Charged with Sexual Crimes Has Retirement Request Denied by Service Secretary, Military, 05/24/2024
– Air & Space Forces Magazine, Air & Space Forces Magazine, 05/23/2024
– Military’s Handling of Abuse at Day Cares Under Increasing Pressure from Congress, Inspector General, Military.com, 05/23/2024
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