The original headline in this April 8 story regarding the court-martial of Michelle Morales at Yongsan Garrison, South Korea, was incorrect. She was reprimanded and reduced in rank to sergeant first class after being convicted of having a prohibited relationship with a lower ranking soldier. She was acquitted on charges of adultery and misuse of government funds.
SEOUL — A master sergeant was reprimanded and given a reduction in rank to E-7 last week after her conviction for having a prohibited relationship with a lower-ranking soldier in early 2008.
The now-Sgt. 1st Class Michelle Morales was convicted last week in a court-martial at Yongsan Garrison.
Morales and Sgt. Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez, both of the 19th Adjutant General Company, allegedly began their affair in late February 2008 and continued dating until May.
Morales, who is married, was acquitted on charges of adultery and misuse of government resources.
The pair met frequently at the apartment of a third soldier, Spc. Richard Huss, who sent Morales text messages with excuses for her to visit.
The texts said Morales needed to come comfort Huss’ wife, who had given birth to a stillborn baby.
Morales began visiting their apartment almost daily when she started dating Gonzalez.
"They essentially turned the Husses’ apartment into their own little love shack," said prosecutor Capt. Luke Tillman.
Morales was then warned by superiors to stay away from Gonzalez, but the couple continued to see each other.
Several witnesses said Morales helped a private who knew of the romantic relationship get command sponsorship, even though he had been flagged for being overweight and failing his physical fitness test.
She also allegedly put a barracks on lockdown so she could go to an entertainment district in Seoul one night with Gonzalez and two other couples, according to court testimony.
Gonzalez is to be court-martialed on charges of adultery and participating in an inappropriate relationship.
In exchange for testifying in Morales’ trial, he will be tried in a summary court-martial.
This means that Morales can not be given a bad conduct discharge and can only be reduced one rank.
He plans to plead guilty in that court-martial, he said in court.
