Sergeant accused of sexual assault has been court-martialed, convicted at Fort Meade

US Army Sergeant is found guilty at Fort Meade

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE – On April 16, 2021, at a general court-martial convened at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, SGT Nelson O. Rodriguez, United States Army, was convicted by a military panel composed of officer and enlisted members, of two specifications of sexual assault in violation of Article 120, Uniform Code of Military Justice. The sentencing phase of the trial commenced directly following the proceedings which lasted five days.

Rodriguez faced four charges and eight specifications in violation of Articles 80, 120, 128 and 131b of the UCMJ with specifications of sexual assault, rape by force, attempted rape by force, aggravated assault, assault consummated by battery, and obstruction of justice. Rodriguez was convicted of two specifications of sexual assault in violation of Article 120, UCMJ. Not guilty verdicts were applied to all other charges and specifications.

The military judge sentenced Rodriguez to a reduction in rank from Sergeant E-5 to Private E-1, a dishonorable discharge, and 36 months of confinement for each specification of sexual assault, to be served concurrently.

The U.S. Army takes all allegations of criminal or inappropriate misconduct seriously and is committed to ensuring all Soldiers live up to the Army Values and adhere to the UCMJ and standards of conduct.