A Maine Nationwide Guard member assigned to the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona has been charged with kidnapping, sexual abuse and aggravated assault, in line with a grand jury indictment.
Bret Chapman allegedly restrained a colleague, engaged in nonconsensual sexual contact along with her, and assaulted her “whereas her capability to withstand was considerably impaired,” in line with charging paperwork filed Aug. 26 in Cochise County, Arizona.
Deputy County Legal professional Michael A. Powell mentioned by e-mail that Chapman was arrested Aug. 27, posted bond and was launched.
It was unclear whether or not Chapman had retained a lawyer, and the Cochise County Public Defender’s Workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Friday.
Maj. Carl Lamb of the Maine Nationwide Guard mentioned its chain of command would weigh potential self-discipline whereas cooperating with Arizona authorities.
“The Maine Nationwide Guard is conscious of the costs pending for this particular person,” he mentioned in a press release. “Sexual assault and all types of harassment are repugnant and past unacceptable — they stand in stark opposition to Military values and what it means to put on our nation’s uniform.”
The indictment seems to cowl one alleged sufferer and says the alleged crimes befell in December.
Chapman was a member of the 262nd Engineer Firm deployed to the border final yr to supply assist for Clients and Border Patrol brokers amid an inflow of migrants.
The Related Press contributed.
