1 of 3 First Charged in Army Sex Scandal Escapes Court-Martial

One of the first three soldiers charged in the Aberdeen Proving Ground sex scandal that rocked the military will not be court-martialed, Army officials announced Wednesday.

Staff Sgt. Nathanael C. Beach, 32, will instead have his case decided in a less-serious disciplinary forum, one that would not lead to jail time.

Beach, a former instructor at the U.S. Ordnance Center and School, was charged last fall with committing adultery by having consensual sex with two female recruits, discussing his religious beliefs with a recruit, ordering a recruit to write a research paper for him, and disobeying orders to stay away from recruits while he was under investigation.

Beach’s lawyer, Capt. Vincent N. Avallone, declined to comment on the decision other than to say Beach is “looking forward to resolving the matter and getting on with his life.”

Avallone had previously complained that his client was being unfairly linked in the sex scandal with Capt. Derrick Robertson and Sgt. Delmar G. Simpson, who face more serious charges, including rape.

The scandal, which broke in November at Aberdeen, spurred almost 200 investigations throughout the military and led to courts-martial and suspensions of dozens of drill sergeants and instructors. It also led Army officials to establish a sexual assault and harassment hotline, which was quickly flooded with calls.

Beach will face a nonjudicial proceeding that could lead to loss of pay or reduction in grade, along with restrictions. A court-martial could have brought a discharge and jail.

A decision to move to a so-called Article 15 proceeding is dependent on a number of factors, including the strength of the case. Army officials declined Wednesday to say which factors led to the decision.

Army officials also announced Wednesday that another former instructor, Sgt. Isiah Chestnut, has been discharged in lieu of a court-martial. Chestnut, 26, was charged with improper relations with four female trainees and with indecent assault.