By Derek VanBuskirk | The Daily Caller News Foundation
A U.S. Air Force major has been arrested for a second time after publicly calling for the impeachment, conviction and removal of President Donald Trump, according to CNN.
Maj. Jason Watson was first arrested in front of the U.S. Capitol in July after calling for Trump’s conviction and was arrested again following an Aug. 17 interview with CNN, the outlet reported.
Charging documents shared with CNN showed that Watson was criminally charged Monday. The charges cite both incidents and the officer’s interview with the Defenders of Our Republic Substack newsletter as violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The document alleged three violations of Article 88 for using “contemptuous” remarks against the president; five violations of Article 92 for disobeying orders; and two violations of Article 133 for conducting oneself in a manner unbecoming of an officer, according to CNN.
These provisions, along with the other articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, establish rules governing members of the armed forces, with only the most severe cases ever reaching court, according to Aaron Meyer Law.
Watson’s attorney told CNN that his client was ordered to remain in “pretrial confinement” pending legal action.
“Not only is [Trump] a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption, and is killing Americans,” Watson said in the CNN interview that led to his arrest. “And that is unacceptable to me.”
The July 1 Defenders of Our Republic newsletter listed a few of the reasons why Trump should be impeached, including: “Stealing oil from a country whose leader you kidnapped. Illegal military actions like ordering and carrying out unprovoked strikes on civilian boats in international waters and starting/maintaining a war with Iran. Profiting off the presidency via grifting, crypto scams, selling pardons, etc. What about blatant violations of the U.S. Constitution?”
The Secretary of the Air Force, Troy Meink, said that he was aware of an Air Force officer protesting at the Capitol building and said that he expects all Airmen and Guardians to follow the policies and announced that an investigation will be completed into anything that might “undermine the nonpartisan nature of our military.”
“Americans place their trust in us,” the secretary said. “We cannot, and will not, compromise the trust of the Nation.”
The charging documents also state that Watson demonstrated “conduct unbecoming an officer” by “wrongfully” wearing his uniform at the Capitol press conference, violated leave regulations by traveling to the District of Columbia, and failed to wear his uniform at his post the day after his CNN interview.
It remains unclear if Watson’s case will go to trial, CNN reported.
First published on The Daily Caller
Air Force Major Who Keeps Calling for Trump’s Impeachment Charged With 10 Counts Under Military Law
By Adam Gramegna | Military.com
Legal action under military law is being taken against U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason Watson, known for his repeated public calls for President Donald Trump’s impeachment.
Watson was formally charged with 10 counts under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the Air Force confirmed to Military.com. Charges include three rare counts of showing contempt toward government officials.
He faces charges under Article 88 for contempt toward officials, Article 92 for dereliction of duty and Article 133 for conduct unbecoming an officer. A charging document Watson’s attorney shared with CNN lists three specifications under Article 88, five under Article 92 and two under Article 133.
Watson, 40, a father of two who has served 17 years and is about three years from retirement, could be dismissed from the service and lose his pay and benefits if convicted, his attorney has said. He also faces the possibility of confinement.
Being charged, a step known in the military as preferral, does not mean the case will go to trial. A preliminary hearing, if required, would determine whether there is probable cause to believe an offense was committed and recommend how the case should proceed, according to the Air Force.
If the case is referred to a general court-martial, the commander of the Air Force District of Washington would serve as the convening authority who decides whether it goes to trial.
“Charges are merely allegations,” the service said, “and the member is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”. . . (read the rest)
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