Defense Experts and Sentencing Advocacy in Camp Casey Sexual Assault Trial

Maximum Sentence:

• Dishonorable Discharge

• 41 years confinement

• Total forfeiture

• Reduction to E-1

• Federal felony conviction

• Sex Offender Registration

At Camp Casey, an Army Staff Sergeant faced burglary and aggravated sexual assault allegations after entering a female Soldier’s barracks room. The government had multiple confessions our client had made to CID, DNA evidence from the USACIL laboratory, and witnesses who described the woman as too intoxicated to consent. The prosecution also had toxicology evidence to support its account.

Tim Bilecki brought in defense experts in DNA and toxicology to examine the government’s scientific case. We litigated motions and fought the case through nearly four days of trial. The evidence was difficult, and the trial ended in a conviction.

That made sentencing the next fight. The prosecution asked for ten years of confinement and a dishonorable discharge. Bilecki continued advocating for our client despite the conviction. The sentence was three years and a bad-conduct discharge. Our client still faced a serious punishment, but it was seven years less confinement and a less severe discharge than the government requested.