Army's Top Sex Assault Prosecutor Accused of Sexual Assault, Suspended

Quote:

Last month, the Army prosecutor in charge of investigating sexual assault cases was reportedly suspended after a subordinate accused him of sexually assaulting her at a legal conference two years ago. Lt. Col. Joseph "Jay" Morse supervised more than 20 Army special victim prosecutors—the lawyers in charge of prosecuting sexual abuse cases, as well as domestic and child abuse cases—before he was suspended in February, according to Stars and Stripes. Sources told Stars and Stripes that the Army lawyer alleged that Morse attempted to kiss and grope her against her will. The alleged assault reportedly took place in a hotel room at a 2011 sexual assault legal conference attended by special victims prosecutors in Alexandria, Va., before he was appointed as chief of the Trial Counsel Assistance Program. The lawyer reported the incident in mid-February and Morse was suspended shortly thereafter, according to one source. "We can confirm that this matter is currently under investigation and that the individual in question has been suspended from duties pending the outcome of the investigation," an Army official who wasn't authorized to speak publicly told Stars and Stripes. "Given that this is still an open case, we are precluded from providing any additional information at this point." This marks the third time in nine months a military officer in charge of sexual assault prevention has been accused of sexual assault: In May, the head of the Air Force's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program was arrested for sexual assault. Just eight days later, the Army sergeant in charge of sexual assault prevention at Ft. Hood was investigated on sexual assault charges, including allegations that he forced subordinates into prostitution.

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This is a HUGE problem in our armed forces. It's a real shame that women that serve us in the military have to worry about being treated like this and it has gone on for so long that I'm not sure if they will ever change without something drastic happening. I served in the Navy and although my ship only had female officers on board there were always rumors flying about. I heard many horror stories about the goings on onboard other ships that were not segregated. How are things going to change when the people who are supposed to be fighting the situation are doing the same things they are supposed to be combating?