Juan A. Lozano
July 16, 2012 - 4:42 AM
SAN ANTONIO - Military officials say the initial flirtations Staff Sgt. Luis Walker directed at women he trained at a Texas Air Force base became something more sinister: threats and intimidation that led to sex and eventually rape.
Walker is among 12 instructors at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio who are being investigated in a widening sex scandal that has rocked one of the nation's busiest military training centres.
Walker's court-martial is set to begin Monday. He faces the most serious charges in the case.
Walker is charged with 28 counts, including rape, aggravated sexual contact and multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault.
He faces up to life in prison and a dishonourable discharge if convicted.
Walker's civilian attorney, Joseph Esparza, declined to comment.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012