Army sergeant sentenced for recruiting female soldiers as prostitutes

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — A military judge has sentenced an Army sergeant to two years in prison and a dishonorable discharge for organizing a prostitution ring at Fort Hood while leading a sexual abuse prevention program at the sprawling Central Texas post.

Lt. Col. Rebecca Connally also demoted Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen to private, the lowest rank and pay grade in the U.S. Army.

As his court-martial was about to open Wednesday at Fort Hood, McQueen pleaded guilty to 15 counts that included charges of pandering and conspiracy to solicit prostitution. However, he pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

Two soldiers testified last year that McQueen recruited them and other cash-strapped female soldiers to join the prostitution ring.

The dishonorable discharge denies McQueen federal veterans’ benefits.

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