In Japan, appeals typically do not include reexamination of witnesses or new evidence and are instead limited to oral arguments by attorneys and prosecutors. (Pixabay)
NAHA, Okinawa — A U.S. airman convicted in Japan of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor is scheduled to begin his appeal trial next month, according to court documents.
Senior Airman Brennon Washington, 25, assigned to Kadena Air Base, will have his case reviewed by the Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court at 3 p.m. on July 30. The appeal will be heard by Judge Takashi Miura and two associate judges, Yasutaka Kobayashi and Naoki Kitahara.
Washington was sentenced on Dec. 13 to five years in prison with hard labor by a three-judge panel at Naha District Court, which found him guilty of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
The court said Washington picked up the girl at a park in Yomitan and took her to his home on Dec. 24, 2023. He immediately appealed the verdict.
The airman’s attorney, Junji Shimizu, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Washington is currently in Japanese custody, the 18th Wing at Kadena wrote in an unsigned email Tuesday.
“The 18th Wing worked closely with local authorities throughout the proceedings to ensure that due legal process was followed under applicable laws and agreements,” the email stated. “We appreciate the work done by the Government of Japan to ensure a proper accounting of these charges.”
Japanese high courts review lower court decisions for procedural errors, legal misinterpretations or excessive sentencing. Appeals typically do not include reexamination of witnesses or new evidence and are instead limited to oral arguments by attorneys and prosecutors.
The court may dismiss the appeal, reverse the verdict, send the case back for retrial, or issue a new ruling. However, it cannot impose a harsher sentence.
In its verdict, the district court sided with the girl’s testimony, which it said was partially corroborated by security footage from the park. The court ruled that Washington knew he did not have consent, citing the girl’s repeated pleas for him to stop.
Washington testified on Aug. 30 that he believed the girl was 18 and said their interaction was consensual. He also told the court that he did not penetrate her.
The case, along with that of Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton — accused of attempted sexual assault in a separate incident — sparked public outcry and protests from Okinawa officials. In response, U.S. Forces Japan implemented stricter liberty policies for service members.
Clayton pleaded not guilty on Monday in Naha District Court. His trial is ongoing.
