US Army general removed from Afghanistan faces sex charges

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Reuters) – A decorated US Army general is facing charges of forcible sodomy and engaging in inappropriate relationships stemming from allegations that got him sent home from Afghanistan this year, US officials said yesterday.

Brigadier General Jeffrey Sinclair, who is based at North Carolina’s Fort Bragg, has also been charged with wrongful sexual conduct, misusing a government travel charge card, possessing alcohol and pornography while deployed and mistreating subordinates, military officials said in a statement.

Sinclair, a 27-year Army veteran, had served as a deputy commander for support in Afghanistan. At least some of the allegations involved inappropriate relationships with female subordinates during his service there, said a US official speaking on condition of anonymity.

Two US officials said Sinclair was sent home in May over the allegations. A hearing will be held to determine whether the case should be referred to a court-martial, said Colonel Kevin Arata, a Fort Bragg spokesman. No date has been set.