STUTTGART, Germany — The former commander of a Stuttgart military intelligence detachment was sentenced to six months in prison on Friday for committing indecent acts on a girl under the age of 16.
Capt. Robert “Rob” Rossow, 34, of the Darmstadt-based 66th Military Intelligence Group, who pleaded guilty to four counts, was also sentenced to a reprimand by Judge (Col.) James Pohl. That reprimand will be decided by the convening authority, Brig. Gen. Scott West, the 21st Theater Support commander.
Pohl spared Rossow from the prosecutor’s request for three years’ imprisonment, a discharge from the Army and forfeiture of future pay.
Rossow was also found not guilty of two counts of indecent acts.
Rossow confessed in May when confronted by Army investigators after the victim told her mother what had happened. The indecent acts, which consisted of improper kissing and touching, occurred from March-September 2004.
Rossow’s wife, Kelly, testified on Friday and answered sternly when asked how her husband’s action affected herself and their four children.
“Our foundation has been ripped away from us,” she said.
The victim also testified and when asked if she was afraid when Rossow was touching her, replied, “I never knew what was going to happen next.”
Robert Rossow, a former Eagle Scout and member of a church youth group, said he joined the military because it felt like a calling. He served in psychological operations, intelligence and counterintelligence and considers himself a strong Christian.
Rossow’s lawyer, Capt. Douglas Moore, pleaded for mercy, saying Rossow had “high rehabilitative potential” and had been attending counseling, talking with chaplains, and studying about abusive behavior.
