Aberdeen scandal

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In 1996, the Aberdeen sex scandal started at Aberdeen Proving Ground, a United States Army base in Aberdeen, Maryland. The Army brought charges against 12 non-commissioned officers.

The heaviest punishment was brought against Staff Sergeant Delmar Simpson. A military trial found him guilty of 18 counts of rape against six women trainees. He was sentenced to 25 years in military prison. The key to the conviction was "constructive force," in which even seemingly consensual sex can be termed rape, given the power differences between the participants.

Others charged included Staff Sergeants Loren Taylor and Anthony Fore, Sergeant George Blackley, a captain, two other sergeants, and four other non-commissioned officers.

[edit] External links

• PBS News Hour report
• Vernell Robinson Jr verdict