Ethics scandal in U.S. military: Four service members accused of sexual assault

NBC News, citing a U.S. Army spokesperson, reported that the legal process has begun for four military personnel accused of sexually assaulting a university student within the base in Washington State.

The soldiers were officially charged in April for an incident that took place on October 27, 2024, at the base in southwest Tacoma.

The spokesperson from the U.S. Military Court Special Counsel’s office described the victim as a university student at the time, who has since been appointed as an officer.

The spokesperson outlined the charges facing the four service members, noting that many of the charges involve multiple counts.

Details of charges against each service member

• Pedro Angel Ruiz, 29: Facing a military court trial, charged with attempted sexual assault, recording the victim, distributing the recorded audio, conspiracy to commit sexual assault, and obstruction of justice. No charges appear in online records. His trial is scheduled for November.
• Aaron J. Gordon, 20: Charged with sexual assault, abusive sexual harassment, recording and distributing obscene audio, conspiracy to commit sexual assault, and obstruction of justice. He has pleaded guilty, and his hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2025.
• Jadon Bousard, 24: Facing charges including sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, recording and distributing obscene audio, conspiracy to commit sexual assault, and obstruction of justice.
• Calon Coriel, 24: Charged with sexual assault, abusive sexual harassment, attempted sexual assault, recording and distributing obscene audio, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.

In addition, Coriel faces separate charges, including sexual assault of a child and sexual assault in connection with an incident in Arizona.