FORT SILL – Military authorities are still investigating the allegation of the Army trainee at Fort Sill who said she was assaulted by more than 20 service members.
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command “is conducting an ongoing, thorough investigation at Fort Sill in coordination with the command,” Jessica Tackaberry of the post’s Public Affairs Office said Monday.
“All sexual assault/sexual harassment allegations are treated with the utmost seriousness and fully investigated,” she wrote. “The allegations and evidence will require time to sort through. We will provide further updates as we are able, while protecting the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation and the rights of all involved. Our Army remains committed to maintaining a values-based climate, intolerant of these acts.”
The Army did recently say that a report that one alleged incident involving several drill sergeants was video recorded and circulated on the base “are false,” Ms. Tackaberry said.
Army Times reported it was told by a person familiar with the March 27 incident that more than 20 individuals were under investigation as a result of the initial report, “and there are potentially more victims based on the allegations.”
The Intercept news organization reported April 2 it was told by a military official with direct knowledge that investigators are checking into allegations of multiple assaults against the soldier by different groups of 22 service members.
The alleged incidents at times involved groups of assailants, the military official said, and the woman’s report identified seven of the 22 members she said assaulted her, The Intercept reported.
The soldier had graduated after completing 10 weeks of basic training and had entered advanced individual training, Maj. Gen. Ken Kamper, Commanding General of the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, indicated during a news conference.