Hearing over, Hopstock awaits word on trial

[unhappycamper]

Hearing over, Hopstock awaits word on trial
By David Allen, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, October 8, 2008

TORII STATION, Okinawa — The defense called it "the sloppiest investigation this island has ever seen."

The prosecution said "the government met its burden in each and every element of the case."

Now it’s up to the Article 32 investigating officer to make a recommendation whether Army Spc. Ronald Hopstock Jr., 25, should face a general court-martial for the alleged rape of a bar worker Feb. 17 in an Okinawa City hotel.

The three-day hearing, similar to a preliminary hearing in civilian courts, ended here Monday. Lt. Col. Seth Sherwood, who presided over the hearing, said he will make a recommendation to the convening authority within the next few weeks.

He reminded those present at the hearing Monday that his task was merely to report whether there was enough evidence to warrant a trial.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=57939



uhc comment: Previous threads on Hopstock -->
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=259&topic_id=18383
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=259&topic_id=18433