Assault Charges Against Air Force Officer Dismissed

The Air Force has dropped sexual assault charges against an officer accused of raping an Air Force Academy cadet last year, but he still faces administrative punishment for less serious offenses, his lawyer said Friday.

“We’re pleased that the commander followed the advice of the investigating officer. We believe this is a fair ... outcome,” said lawyer Frank Spinner.

The charges against 2nd Lt. Ronen Segal were dropped after the investigating officer said the woman had been capable of giving or withholding consent and “did not in any way object to or resist” Segal performing a sexual act on her earlier, the Air Force said Friday.

The woman -- a freshman at the academy when Segal was a senior -- testified she went to his home after he sent her an e-mail asking to get together. She said she didn’t remember what happened after they drank wine and began kissing, but that she was being raped when she came to.