Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Three National Guard soldiers convicted after sexually assaulting woman in hotel room

They pleaded guilty to lesser charges and face year-long prison sentences for 2017 rape

Alex Woodward
New York
Wednesday 22 January 2020 21:29 GMT
Comments
Three National Guard members in Kentucky admitted to sexually assaulting a woman in 2017.
Three National Guard members in Kentucky admitted to sexually assaulting a woman in 2017. (Kentucky State Police)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Three US National Guard soldiers pleaded guilty to misdemeanour charges after admitting to sexually assaulting a woman in 2017.

Kentucky-based guard members Anthony Tubolino, Tyler Hart and Jacob Ruth reached plea agreements on lesser charges with prosecutors in Calloway County. They'll each face year-long prison sentences when they are formally sentenced by a circuit court judge in April, according to reports.

Austin Dennis, who was charged with first-degree sodomy, requested a jury trial, which will be scheduled for 27 May. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

In 2017, Kentucky State Police officers responded to a report of a sexual assault at Murray-Calloway County Hospital on 3 June 2017. The victim was older than 18 years old but younger than 21, according to Calloway Commonwealth Attorney Dennis Foust.

All four suspects were brought into custody that day.

State police in Calloway County arrested the four National Guard members who had been preparing for weekend deployment, drinking in a hotel room where they reportedly got the victim drunk and assaulted her.

Anthony Tubolino initially was charged with rape, sodomy, unlawful transaction with a minor and driving under the influence. He pleaded down to lesser charges of sexual misconduct, though the unlawful transaction charge and a separate DUI charge remained.

Tyler Hart was charged with first-degree sodomy and sexual abuse but pleaded down to two counts of sexual misconduct.

Jacob Ruth also was arrested on charges of first-degree sodomy but pleaded down to sexual misconduct.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in