WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) — A retired U.S. Air Force general is facing an investigation after a female colonel accused him of sexual misconduct, the Air Force said.
Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, who once headed Air Mobility Command, allegedly “used his position of power to coerce sexual contact” with a female colonel who was under his command.
The assault allegation was first reported by former Air Force Officer Tony Carr on his blog John Q. Public after he obtained an internal document describing the complaint, filed earlier this year.
Air Force spokesman Col. Patrick Ryder said the Air Force is conducting a thorough investigation.
“I can tell you that the Air Force takes all allegations of sexual assault or harassment very seriously,” Col. Ryder said in a statement.
“We are committed to upholding the high standards and values of our service and ensuring an environment of dignity and respect, where sexual assault or harassment is not tolerated, and where there is clear accountability placed on all Airmen at every level.”
In addition to heading up Air Mobility Command from 2007 to 2009, Lichte held numerous positions at Strategic Air Command and U.S. Transportation Command. He retired in 2010.
