Female Cadet Testifies to Rape

An Air Force Academy freshman testified during a military hearing Wednesday that she was raped by an older cadet after drinking shots of tequila with him in his dorm room.

The Pennsylvania woman said she drifted in and out of consciousness during the alleged attack, acknowledging that while she did not agree to have sex with the cadet, she did not physically resist.

“There was no way to fight him off. I did not feel like I was in control,” she testified.

Both the woman and sophomore cadet Douglas Meester had blood-alcohol contents that were nearly double the level at which a motorist would be considered drunk, an investigator said later.

Near the end of the hearing, Meester was allowed to make a statement. He was not sworn.

“I am not a rapist,” he said. “I am not a perfect cadet, perfect student or perfect person, but I am not a rapist.”

He then addressed his family, and said he was thankful for the opportunity to attend the academy. But he said he believes he won’t be allowed to return. He also said he hoped the woman who accused him of rape will continue her education there.

The woman, who was 18 at the time of the alleged assault Oct. 18, testified at a hearing to determine whether Meester should face a court-martial on charges of rape and sodomy, the first such charges since a sex scandal broke at the academy earlier this year. Meester also is charged with indecent assault and providing alcohol.