Gen. Sinclair faces charges of sexual misconduct

Scales of justice

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Brigadier General Jeffrey Sinclair is due to appear before military court to hear the arraignment of charges brought against him. 

Gen. Sinclair faces eight charges of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Included in the charges are twenty-five different specifications involving sexual misconduct. 

Sinclair previously served as deputy commander in charge of logistics and support for the 82nd airborne division in Afghanistan. Following the disclosure of the allegations and the ensuing criminal probe, Sinclair was relieved of his duties abroad and has since been posted on special assignment in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

During an evidentiary hearing held in November 2012, a female captain testified against Sinclair, claiming the two engaged in a sexual relationship which lasted for three years. The captain has claimed that she repeatedly tried to end the affair, only Sinclair went on to threaten to kill her and her family if she ever told anyone about their frequent liaisons. 

There are five women in total involved in the allegations, one of whom accuses Sinclair of using physical force, including forcible sodomy. Sinclair's defense has painted a picture of the female captain as a scorned lover trying to ruin his reputation. 

Sinclair has admitted to the affairs but has argued that they were all consensual. However, adultery itself is considered a crime under military law. If convicted of certain charges, Sinclair could face life in prison, in addition to being forced to register as a sex offender.