Bilecki Represents Fort Sill Specialist During Child-Assault Investigation and Preferral

Bilecki Represents Fort Sill Specialist During Child-Assault Investigation and Preferral

July 2023

Fort Sill, Oklahoma

Army Specialist – E-4

Allegations: UCMJ Article 120b Sexual Assault of a Child / Sexual Abuse of a Child (6 specifications)

Facts

This was an Army Specialist at Fort Sill under a CID investigation that produced six preferred specifications under Article 120b alleging sexual conduct against minor children. The allegations were serious and could carry confinement, a punitive discharge and sex-offender-registration consequences if proved. Our representation covered the investigation and preferral stages; we did not represent the Soldier through a final disposition.

The Government's case began in late February 2023 when a third party adult observed an alleged incident and made a reporting call to CID. Forensic interviews of the alleged minor children followed within days. CID obtained a search authorization for bedding from the family residence. DNA was collected from our client. A separate Department of Human Services investigation produced a "substantiated" finding in mid April 2023.

Our client retained Bilecki at the CID investigation stage.

We engaged at the investigation and pre-preferral stages. We filed a Notice of Representation to CID and a supplemental Notice of Representation to the Special Victim Prosecutor's office at Fort Sill. Our client invoked Article 31 at the CID interview. Counsel was requested at the outset. No statement was given. The defense assembled a character package across community and chaplain references and prepared a Military Protective Order modification request.

Charges were preferred in early July 2023. Six specifications under Article 120b alone.

The engagement concluded after preferral. Our client proceeded with different counsel.

Result: Investigation-stage and pre-preferral representation only.