Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart Pleads Guilty to Adultery and Dereliction of Duty
High-Profile Court-Martial Continues as Stewart Denies Sexual Assault Allegations
According to Military Times, Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart a two-star Air Force general pleaded guilty to charges of adultery and dereliction of duty on Monday marking a rare court-martial of a high-ranking officer at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Stewart who previously oversaw pilot training for the Air Force admitted to engaging in an unprofessional relationship just as opening arguments were set to begin. Despite this he continues to deny accusations of sexually assaulting a woman and piloting an aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol during an April 2023 work trip to Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Stewart’s defense team has not provided a reason for his change in plea on multiple charges. The admission comes as part of a high-profile case that has drawn significant attention within the military community and beyond.
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2-Star Air Force General Pleads Guilty to Adultery and Dereliction of Duty: Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart Faces Consequences for Alleged Sexual Assault and Drunk Piloting! (PHOTO: UPI)
Stewart’s Court-Martial Faces Delays Amid Jury Selection Challenges
The allegations against Stewart include non-consensual sexual acts with an unnamed woman during his visit to Altus a major training hub for airmen. Although Stewart acknowledges that he had sex with the woman his defense maintains it was consensual. Following a misconduct investigation led by Air Education and Training Command’s Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson Stewart was removed from his position leading the 19th Air Force in May 2023. He was formally charged in September 2023 with multiple counts including sexual assault dereliction of duty conduct unbecoming of an officer and extramarital sexual conduct. Stewart’s request to retire instead of facing trial was denied by Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall ensuring that the court-martial would proceed.
The court-martial proceedings faced delays due to the complex jury selection process as Stewart opted for a trial by a panel of his peers. This required the selection of Air Force officers who outrank him narrowing the jury pool significantly. If found guilty on all charges Stewart could face dismissal or dishonorable discharge along with up to 66 years in confinement and forfeiture of pay. This case underscores the Air Force’s commitment to holding even its highest-ranking officers accountable for their actions and maintaining the integrity of the service.
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