Former Aviano Inspector General Guilty of Sexual Misconduct

A general court-martial convicted Lt. Col. James Wilkerson, former inspector general of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano AB, Italy, of five separate violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for improper sexual conduct with a female civilian base employee, according to a wing release. The military court on Nov. 2 sentenced Wilkerson to one year of confinement and dismissal from the Air Force, states the release. “The Air Force and the 31st Fighter Wing are dedicated to a culture where sexual assault is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 31st FW commander. Specifically, the court found Wilkerson guilty of two violations of UCMJ Article 120 for abusive sexual contact and aggravated sexual assault, and of three violations of Article 133 for conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. The Air Force preferred charges against Wilkerson following an investigation after the female came forward with allegations of criminal conduct—she accused Wilkerson of groping her back in March.