U.S. airman in Japan sentenced to five years for sexual assault of minor

A U.S. airman in Japan, Senior Airman Brennon Washington, was sentenced to five years in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor. The incident occurred on December 24, 2023, when he took a girl under 16 to his home. Washington was indicted in March, but the case was not made public until June, causing local anger. Prosecutors sought a seven-year sentence, but the court ruled based on Washington's continued actions despite knowing the girl was underage and had not consented. This case adds to ongoing tensions between U.S. military personnel and the local community in Okinawa, where past incidents have fueled calls to reduce the U.S. military presence. The 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base expressed outrage and emphasized the need for high conduct standards among service members.