RAF LAKENHEATH, England — An RAF Lakenheath officer accused of various charges stemming from an alcohol binge last July testified Tuesday that he had no recollection of his actions.
Maj. Brandon Smith, 36, of the 48th Medical Operations Squadron, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and to assaults on two junior enlisted airmen. The actions allegedly took place following a going-away party for three 48th Medical Group airmen.
In addition, Smith, who was charged with committing an indecent act on a 10-year-old girl while he was intoxicated, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault consummated by a battery with a minor.
Smith also was charged with wrongfully conducting himself in a manner unbecoming an officer and a gentleman after making unwanted sexual advances on two other enlisted airmen. He pleaded guilty Monday to the lesser offense of two violations of nature that discredit the armed forces.
Prosecutors are proceeding with the indecent act with a minor charge.
At his court-martial Tuesday, Smith testified that he blacked out after he drank three alcoholic drinks before and during the going-away party. He admitted that he had similar memory lapses caused by alcohol in the past.
"I cannot tell you my frame of mind that night," Smith told the court.
Smith had more drinks at a follow-on party, held for the 10-year-old girl’s birthday. He eventually headed into the girl’s room after she fell asleep. He then removed her underwear and began licking her buttocks, according to testimony.
Smith faces a maximum punishment of 10 years and nine months’ confinement, dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and a fine.
