[buggyone]

I saw in the paper that BG Jeffrey Sinclair avoided prison by accepting a plea to committing adultry and inapporpriate sexual relationships with two others. He will get a reprimand, pay $20,000 fine, and retire immediately. He could be reduced in rank that would impact on his very high retirement pay. Personally, I think he should be busted in rank to Second Lieutenant for his retirement purposes.

By accepting the plea deal, it is very obvious that he was guilty of the sexual assault charges that would have landed him in prison.

[BobnBev]

I think he can only be reduced 1 rank or pay grade. That would make him a Colonel for retirement.

[rubicon]

Plea bargaining is a mainstay because outcomes are uncertain for other side. Is it fair? In my view fairness isn't the objective but rather an agreement satisfactory to opposing sides.

The public is not privy to many of the details. Should the punishment have been more? Was this a situation of ä woman scorned"?

[Mikeod]

I'm disgusted. IMO, he deserves prison time. One of the most important duties of an officer in a command position is to develop subordinates to assume greater and greater responsibilities. To use that office for personal gain, whether it be financial or sexual or ???, especially with a subordinate, is a complete abrogation of your duties. And should be dealt with severely, not the slap on the wrist that he got. This was not a one time thing with only one person. This was dereliction of duty.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by rubicon

Plea bargaining is a mainstay because outcomes are uncertain for other side. Is it fair? In my view fairness isn't the objective but rather an agreement satisfactory to opposing sides.

The public is not privy to many of the details. Should the punishment have been more? Was this a situation of ä woman scorned"?

I would like to know a lot more about the facts in this case before commenting but abuse of power like this--if this is what it was -- should be dealt with in the severest of terms. I know how prevalent plea bargaining is though especially when you have lawyers who can drag something out or victims who are scared to take the stand especially if their careers will suffer even more by doing so. The military does seem to have a culture that also blames the victim for coming forward in these matters.

[jhrc4]

here is the bottom line :

There is one set of rules for ...." Officers " especially for High Ranking Officers and....Another set of rules for the " Enlisted " Ranks. Always has been that way and it will never , ever, in a million years change.

If the General had been an enlisted guy " Leavenworth " Busted, and Forfeiture of all Pay and Allowances. That's the way it works..and I believe most would agree with me.

And by the way for the record ....No Plea Bargain !!

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

I would like to know a lot more about the facts in this case before commenting but abuse of power like this--if this is what it was -- should be dealt with in the severest of terms. I know how prevalent plea bargaining is though especially when you have lawyers who can drag something out or victims who are scared to take the stand especially if their careers will suffer even more by doing so. The military does seem to have a culture that also blames the victim for coming forward in these matters.

I am sure the prosecution felt they got the best deal possible since the officers of the jury would be reluctant to send a commanding general to the slammer - but there was the possibility. Gen. Sinclair knew this and probably did not want to have all the sex filled facts brought out in court. Too bad that seppuku is not part of the military code.

[2BNTV]

Gereral Sinclair - A officer but no gentlemen.

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by 2bntv

gereral sinclair - a officer but no gentlemen.

amen!