Air Force instructor convicted in rape case

Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO

An Air Force instructor was convicted in military court Friday of raping one female trainee and sexually assaulting several others at a large Texas base that is embroiled in a sweeping sex scandal.

Staff Sgt. Luis Walker showed no emotion as the verdict of seven military personnel was read — guilty on all 28 counts, including rape, aggravated sexual contact and multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault. He faces up to life in prison and a dishonorable discharge.

Walker is among 12 instructors at Lackland Air Force Base, where all U.S. airmen go through basic training, who have been investigated for alleged sexual misconduct involving a total of at least 31 female trainees. Six instructors have been charged on counts ranging from rape to adultery, and Walker, who faced the most serious charges, was the first to stand trial.