Cadet to face Article 32 hearing Jan. 31

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  A cadet who had sexual assault charges preferred against him in September will face an Article 32 hearing Jan. 31.

Cadet 2nd Class Jamil Cooks faces three specifications of one charge that he violated Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- one for aggravated sexual assault and two for aggravated sexual contact -- and one charge of violating Article 80 of the UCMJ for attempted sodomy.

Article 32 hearings are similar to grand jury hearings. An investigating officer, typically a judge advocate, presides over the hearing and submits a report of the proceeds to the convening authority to decide the proper disposition.

Cooks was ordered into confinement at the Teller County Detention Center Dec. 4 when another potential victim came forward with an allegation of new misconduct, according to a report in the Jan. 11 Academy Spirit. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is investigating potential charges of unlawful entry, housebreaking and indecent viewing.

At this time, charges are merely accusations, and the accused is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.