In November 2019, an Air Force Technical Sergeant at Osan, Korea, found himself embroiled in a sexual assault allegation. The incident unfolded during a night out in the Special Entertainment District (SED) near Osan, where the Sergeant was socializing with colleagues, including a female friend. This friend later accused him of sexually assaulting her.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Technical Sergeant promptly retained an Article 120 UCMJ sexual assault attorney, Tim Bilecki. Bilecki flew to Korea to conduct a ground-level investigation, interviewing witnesses and ensuring the crucial CCTV footage was preserved. This hands-on approach in Korea, vital in a case where local understanding and prompt action were key, revealed that the allegation was a fabrication.
The OSI’s lack of thorough investigation highlights the importance of having a lawyer who both understands the intricacies of cases in Korea and is willing to travel and investigate firsthand. Without this proactive and detailed intervention, the client could have faced a wrongful conviction. The case, which could have led to severe consequences, was dismissed thanks to the timely and decisive actions of the defense team.
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