Air Force to hear sex harassment charges against Ohio officer

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Air Force officials are ready to hear allegations that a chief master sergeant in Ohio sexually harassed female airmen.

A hearing starting today at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near here will help decide the outcome of 17 charges against 27-year veteran William Gurney, involving nine women.

Officials said before the hearing began that one additional count apparently involving one other woman was dropped. No reason was given.

Allegations include extramarital relations, inappropriate touching, and sending sexually oriented text messages.

The hearing could last two to three days.

The Air Force will decide later whether Gurney should face court-martial or administrative punishments, or if the case should be dropped.

He has not commented publicly on the charges.