Sexual assault charges preferred against Airman Published April 1, 2013 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- An enlisted Airman had charges preferred against him March 28 for one specification of aggravated sexual contact and one specification of abusive sexual contact against a female enlisted Airman, in violation of Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The 10th Air Base Wing commander, as the special court-martial convening authority holding initial disposition authority, directed an investigative hearing on the preferred charges in accordance with Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Counsel for the government and defense are working on the dates and times for an Article 32 hearing, which is is equivalent to a civilian grand jury proceeding. An investigating officer presides over an Article 32 hearing and submits a report of the proceedings with recommendations to the 10th ABW commander, who will then decide whether to dismiss the case, recommend it go to a general court-martial or dispose of the case through other disciplinary or administrative action. It must be emphasized that charges are merely accusations, and the accused is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.