Trial Begins for Former USAF Sexual Assault Prevention Chief

The trial for Lt. Col. Jeffrey Krusinski, the former chief of the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response branch who was charged with sexual assault, began on Nov. 12. Krusinski, 42, was originally charged with sexual battery for allegedly grabbing the breasts and buttocks of a woman outside an Arlington, Va., bar on May 5, reported the Associated Press, via ABC News. However prosecutors decided to move forward with an assault charge instead. The woman testified Tuesday, saying she felt “totally violated.” She also said that after the alleged assault, she followed Krusinski a few steps and then hit him in the face multiple times, reported the Associated Press, via the Huffington Post, which noted that Krusinski had scratches on his face in his mug shot taken in May. A bar employee also testified, saying she saw Krusinski grab the buttocks of two employees, including herself. Defense attorney Barry Coburn argued in his opening statements that inconsistencies in witness accounts should add up to reasonable doubt, according to the article. Krusinski was removed from his DOD position following his arrest. The trial is expected to conclude no later than Nov. 14, according to the article. (See also Plague of Sexual Assaults)