A female military student who later became an Army officer was sexually assaulted by four male soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord barracks in Washington during October 2024.

According to Stars and Stripes, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel is prosecuting the case as part of its mandate to handle major sex crimes involving service personnel.

Cpl. Pedro Angel Ruiz, Pvt. Deron J. Gordon, Spc. Jadon Bosarge, and Pfc. Kallon Curiel were charged on April 9 with several violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The charges stem from an incident on October 27 at a joint Army-Air Force base, where all four soldiers were allegedly present during the assault.

Multiple Charges and Severe Penalties Await

Cpl. Pedro Angel Ruiz, 29, faces charges including attempted sexual assault, indecent recording, and conspiracy, with a potential 87-year prison sentence. Pvt. Deron J. Gordon, 20, could face up to 355 years in prison for charges including sexual assault and abusive sexual contact.

Spc. Jadon Bosarge, 24, has been charged with multiple counts that could result in a 332-year sentence if convicted. The soldier previously pleaded guilty to first-degree negligent driving in March 2023, resulting in a $500 fine.

Three of the accused soldiers remain free while awaiting their trials. Their duties span across various roles within the 17th Field Artillery Brigade and its supporting units.

Additional Criminal Proceedings Unfold

Pfc. Kallon Curiel, the youngest at 19, faces the most extensive list of charges among the accused. His charges include multiple counts of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault, potentially resulting in a 339-year sentence.

Curiel is currently in pretrial confinement due to additional charges from Arizona. The separate case involves allegations of sexual assault of a child and sexual assault without consent.

A preliminary hearing for Curiel's JBLM-related charges took place on August 22, though detailed records were not immediately available. The severity of his charges has led to his continued confinement.

Legal Proceedings Move Forward

Gordon has entered a guilty plea to some charges and requested a judge-only trial, though the court has yet to consider his request. His court-martial is scheduled for September 3, marking the first of the proceedings.

Ruiz's court-martial is set for November 3, while Bosarge's trial is expected in September. The military justice system will handle these cases under Article 120 of the UCMJ.

The prosecution team, led by the Army's Special Trial Counsel office, emphasizes the serious nature of sexual assault charges in the military. These cases represent a significant test of the military's commitment to addressing sexual violence within its ranks.

Impact on Military Justice System

The victim's subsequent commissioning as an Army officer adds a unique dimension to this case. This development highlights the complex dynamics of power and vulnerability within military structures.

The charges against these soldiers include not only sexual assault but also conspiracy and obstruction of justice. These additional charges suggest a coordinated effort to both commit and cover up the alleged crimes.

The outcome of these courts-martial could set important precedents for handling sexual assault cases within the military justice system. The cases represent a significant test of the Army's commitment to protecting service members and ensuring justice is served.