August Court Martial

  • Published
  • By 22nd Staff Judge Advocate
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Everyone should be aware of the disciplinary measures taken at McConnell AFB in order to better mentor troops in the standards expected of Air Force members and to ensure individuals better understand the consequences of "crossing the line." In addition to a wide range of administrative actions and nonjudicial punishment, members may face court-martial for misconduct. 

United States v. Airman Anthony M. Gibbons - Burglary, Larceny, and Making a False Official Statement to Security Forces 

On June 17, 2009, a military judge sentenced Airman Gibbons to a reduction in grade to Airman Basic, 120 days confinement, forfeitures of $933 a month for four months, and a Bad Conduct Discharge from the Air Force. 

On January 29, 2009, Airman Gibbons and a friend were playing videogames in a dorm room on McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., when they decided to break into the adjoining suite. 

Airman Gibbons and his friend stole a number of items and drove away. 

Later, Airman Gibbons and his friend brought some of the items back to the victim and lied by stating that someone else took them. When later questioned by Security Forces personnel about their involvement with the stolen goods, Airman Gibbons and his friend lied. Airman Gibbons' friend later confessed that he and Airman Gibbons stole the items. 

On June 17, 2009, a Special Court-Martial tried Airman Gibbons, charged him with making a false official statement to Security Forces, larceny of property more than $500 in value, and burglary. 

Airman Gibbons pled guilty before a military judge. "The sentence sends a clear message to McConnell Air Force Base that stealing from fellow Airmen will not be tolerated," said prosecutor Capt. Kevin Gotfredson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate, Chief of Military Justice. "It is crucial that Airmen be able to trust each other, and if an airman violates that trust, he does not belong in the Air Force," Capt. Gotfredson said.