Airman pleads guilty to dereliction charge at summary-court martial

  • Published
  • 341st Legal Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A summary court-martial was held on Sept. 8 at Malmstrom, in the case of United States v. Senior Airman Brandon J. Adams.

Airman Adams, a member of the 341st Security Support Squadron, was charged with two specifications of dereliction of duty. Specifically, he failed to lock safes containing COMSEC material in the Keys and Codes Control Center when he left the area. In addition, Airman Adams was derelict because he failed to complete forms that are required to be accomplished when opening and closing the safes. Both of these actions violated Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

At trial, Airman Adams pled guilty to the charge and specifications before a summary court-martial officer, Lt. Col. Edward Lucas. After Colonel Lucas accepted Airman Adams' guilty plea, the sentencing phase of the trial began and evidence was presented for Colonel Lucas to consider before he determined an appropriate sentence. During this portion of the trial, Master Sgt. Mark Johnson testified that Airman Adams' misconduct resulted in approximately 4,000 man-hours of work being expended so required code change actions could be quickly implemented. He also testified that the code change process required individuals to drive government vehicles over 11,000 miles.

After hearing all the evidence, Colonel Lucas sentenced Airman Adams to 30 days in confinement, a reduction in rank to airman, a forfeiture of $500 and a reprimand. Airman Adams has the opportunity to submit matters to the summary court-martial convening authority, Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander, before final action on the case is taken.

Capt. William LaDuke, trial counsel for the case, stated, "This case demonstrates how seriously the Air Force treats these kinds of offenses. Shortcuts and carelessness in maintaining nuclear information and mishandling of classified information simply can't be overlooked."