Outrage at latest military sex abuse allegations

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel informed President Barack Obama of the latest sexual assault allegations against a soldier who was assigned to prevent such crimes -- the second military leader involved in similar accusations -- and the president made clear he wants that behavior stopped, officials said yesterday.

Hagel spokesman George Little told reporters that Hagel's staff is working on a written directive that will spell out steps aimed at resolving a problem that has outraged lawmakers.

"The president has made very clear his expectations on this issue," Little said, adding that Hagel told Obama on Tuesday about the allegations facing an Army sergeant first class at Fort Hood, Texas.

The sergeant is facing allegations involving three women, including that he may have arranged for one of them to have sex for money, according to a military official.

The accused soldier, whose name has not been made public, was assigned as a coordinator of a battalion-level sexual assault prevention program. He has been suspended from all duties but has not been charged with any crime.

Little said Hagel and Obama see the sexual assault problem in the same light. "They expect prevention measures at all times, and when prevention isn't achieved, then both expect accountability," Little said.

The allegations at Fort Hood are only the latest in a string of cases.The official, who spoke only on condition of anonymity, said the sergeant is also being investigated for allegedly sexually assaulting one of the other two women. The allegations involving the third woman were not known.

The case, along with another high-profile one involving an Air Force officer, highlights a problem that is drawing increased scrutiny in Congress and expressions of frustration from Hagel.

Lawmakers said it was time for Hagel to get tough with the military brass.

Hagel said he was directing all the services to retrain, re-credential and rescreen all sexual assault prevention and response personnel and military recruiters, spokesman Little said.