Article 120, CSAM & Child Cases — Real Case Results

An Article 120 allegation puts a career, a retirement, a federal record, and sex-offender registration on the line all at once. The cases below are real — the verdicts and dismissals are real, too. Cave & Freeburg, LLP has defended service members against sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and CSAM allegations on bases across the United States and around the world, from courts-martial to Boards of Inquiry to appeals.

20+ Full Trial Acquittals · 30+ Charges Dismissed Pre-Trial · 10+ Sex Assault Charges Reduced to Misdemeanor · Multiple Convictions Reversed on Appeal

Important. Below are real cases that we have defended. All cases are different. A success in one case does not guarantee success in another similar case. We do not guarantee a certain outcome — to do so violates the Rules of Professional Responsibility. Results often depend on the facts, whether the client follows legal advice, and the stage of the proceeding at which services are retained.

Featured Trial Acquittals

Full Not Guilty verdicts in contested sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and CSAM cases — the rarest and most consequential outcomes in military law.

U.S. v. O-2, Naval Station Norfolk, VA — Full Acquittal · CSAM

Navy officer raided by the FBI in a joint state/NCIS investigation, accused of possession and distribution of hundreds of images of child pornography. The prosecution showed the panel an explicit video to inflame the members. Mr. Freeburg flipped the government’s own forensic experts against them. The panel deliberated two hours.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration. No Dishonorable Discharge.

U.S. v. E-9, Fort Bliss, TX — Full Acquittal · Child Sex Offense

Army Sergeant Major accused of a lewd act on a child. The Government misunderstood the DNA evidence, refused defense experts, and pushed the case forward anyway. Mr. Freeburg rebutted the case through cross-examination and the client’s own honest testimony before a senior military panel.

Result. Not Guilty of All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration. Retirement Preserved.

U.S. v. E-5, Fort Liberty, NC — Full Acquittal · Child Rape

Soldier facing life in prison on three specifications of rape of a child, six specifications of sexual abuse of a child, one rape, one sexual assault, plus battery and domestic violence specifications. Mr. Freeburg exposed a history of lies and false allegations by the accusers and prepared the client to withstand cross-examination by an O-5 Special Victim Prosecutor.

Result. Not Guilty of All Child Rape, Rape, Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse Charges. No Sex Offender Registration. No Confinement.

U.S. v. E-6, Fort Lee, VA — Full Acquittal · Child Molestation

Army Staff Sergeant accused of molesting a 10-year-old girl — the hardest type of allegation to defend, because in practical terms there is no presumption of innocence. After consulting medical experts, Mr. Freeburg realized the allegation likely originated from a dream based on a movie the child had watched. He established reasonable doubt through cross-examination and defense experts.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-4, Edwards AFB, CA — Full Acquittal · Sexual Assault

Senior Airman accused of sexually assaulting two women — both vaginally and anally — and recording the encounter. At trial, Mr. Freeburg dismantled the government’s witnesses, including multiple experts, in front of an Air Force panel.

Result. Not Guilty of All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-4, Eielson AFB, AK — Full Acquittal · 7 Sex Assault Specs

Senior Airman charged with seven specifications of sexual assault involving three different alleged victims. Mr. Freeburg discovered OSI had essentially manufactured the second and third “victims” to ensure conviction as a “sexual predator.” He used cross-examination to put OSI itself on trial.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-4, JBLM, WA — Full Acquittal · Rape

Army Specialist charged with rape, four specifications of penetrative sexual assault, strangulation, and an order violation. Mr. Freeburg used cross-examination of the CID agent to show the Soldier was manipulated into a false confession, and cross-examined the government’s “tonic immobility” expert.

Result. Not Guilty of Rape and All Sexual Assault Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-5, Hurlburt Field, FL — Acquittal · CSAM

Air Force Staff Sergeant facing fifteen years for possession of child pornography. At trial, Mr. Freeburg’s cross-examination of the government’s digital forensic experts showed there was no evidence of knowing possession. The panel acquitted on all CSAM charges, convicting only on grabbing a person’s wrists and destroying a phone.

Result. Not Guilty of All Child Pornography Charges. No Sex Offender Registration. No Punitive Discharge.

U.S. v. E-6, Fort Jackson, SC — Full Acquittal · Sexual Assault

Staff Sergeant accused of sexual assault by anal penetration and aggravated assault by strangulation against a civilian. Investigation revealed the alleged victim — a rape counselor — had mental instability and a need for self-authenticity as a “victim.” The panel returned a verdict in 65 minutes.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-6, Naval Station Norfolk, VA — Full Acquittal · Rape (2 Accusers)

Sailor accused of the rape and sexual assault of two women on the same night. Mr. Cave’s defense at the Article 32 hearing got the rape charges as to one woman dismissed. 732 days after the alleged events, the panel returned Not Guilty.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-7, Naval Station Norfolk, VA — Full Acquittal · Rape & Robbery

Sailor accused of oral and vaginal rape, attempted anal rape, assault with intent to rape, and robbery. Defended by Mr. Cave and found Not Guilty of all charges and specifications by an officer-and-enlisted panel.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-5, JBER, AK — Full Acquittal · 8 Sex Assault Specs

Army Sergeant accused of directing a group sexual assault of an 18-year-old Air Force service member and committing eight specifications of sexual assault himself. A co-accused had already pled guilty and agreed to testify against him. Mr. Freeburg used cross-examination to destroy the government’s case.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. Marine NCO, Fort Benning, GA — Full Acquittal · Rape & Sodomy

Non-commissioned officer accused of forcible rape and forcible sodomy of another soldier in Kosovo — with a purported confession in pretext messages. Mr. Freeburg developed a strategy for the apparent confession and prepared the client to take the stand.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. Warrant Officer, Fort Rucker, AL — Acquitted of Rape

Warrant officer charged with forcible rape and multiple assaults with a firearm, facing a potential life sentence. After a year of motions and a discovery battle against a senior prosecution team, Mr. Freeburg won a week-long jury trial.

Result. Acquitted of Rape and All but One Assault Charge. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-8, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ — Full Acquittal · Indecent Exposure

Air Force Senior Master Sergeant accused of indecently exposing his genitalia to a front-desk clerk at a base hotel. Mr. Freeburg used cross-examination and the SMSgt’s own testimony to achieve a quick Not Guilty verdict.

Result. Not Guilty of All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration. Retirement Preserved.

U.S. v. E-4, Washington Navy Yard — Full Acquittal · Sex Trafficking

One of a number of Sailors caught in a sex scandal at Navy Support Activity Bahrain, accused of sex trafficking for the purposes of prostitution. After significant pretrial litigation, the military judge granted Mr. Cave’s motion to find the client not guilty of all but adultery. The members then acquitted on adultery.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

Additional Case Results

U.S. v. O-4, Camp Lejeune, NC — CSAM · BOI

Marine Corps Major with 17 years of honorable service accused of purchase, possession, and viewing of CSAM, and sent to a Board of Inquiry (preponderance standard, far lower than a court-martial). Mr. Freeburg used a key cross-examination of the NCIS case agent to show that alleged cached images did not meet preponderance. The Board voted unanimously.

Result. Misconduct Not Sustained. Retained in Service. Career Preserved. Retirement Preserved.

U.S. v. O-4, Vicenza, Italy — Child Sexual Assault

Retired Army Major accused of child sexual assault years in the past. While under investigation, Mr. Freeburg prepared the defense and communicated with Army CID and the Office of Special Trial Counsel to explain weaknesses in the case. The Army ultimately agreed there was not even probable cause.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration. No Dishonorable Discharge.

U.S. v. E-5, Washington, D.C. — Sexual Assault

Sailor accused of sexually assaulting another service member during a one-night stand. Mr. Freeburg investigated exculpatory messages, prepared the defense, and engaged with the Navy Office of Special Trial Counsel. The Navy dropped the case.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. O-5 (Retired), Fort Belvoir, VA — National News

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel facing court-martial for sexual assault of another Army officer and assault on his teenage son. Mr. Freeburg aggressively litigated unlawful command influence and defective referral issues alongside an extensive case investigation. The Army dismissed.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration. Retirement Preserved.

U.S. v. O-4, Military District of Washington — Sexual Assault

Army Major in a high-visibility position accused of sexual assault by a woman he had helped at a troubled point in her life. Cave & Freeburg engaged with Army CID and OSTC throughout the investigation, explaining weaknesses and providing exculpatory evidence. The Army agreed there was not even probable cause.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. CW4, Military District of Washington — Sexual Assault

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 accused of sexual assault years in the past. Mr. Cave and Mr. Freeburg engaged with Army CID and OSTC during the investigation. The Army agreed there was not even probable cause.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-6, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey — Sexual Assault

Air Force Technical Sergeant accused of sexual assault by an Air Force Captain. The defense investigation interviewed witnesses OSI had ignored and proved that the officer had made the sexual advances on the enlisted accused.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-6, Ramstein Air Base, Germany — CSAM

Air Force Technical Sergeant accused of downloading and possessing child sexual material. Mr. Freeburg prepared a digital forensic defense during the OSI investigation. The case was dropped before charges were brought.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-6, Camp Lejeune, NC — Child Abuse · DV

Navy Petty Officer accused of child abuse and domestic violence by his ex-wife. The defense built a case around clear manipulation of the children by the ex-wife’s new husband. The case was dropped.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Federal Conviction.

U.S. v. E-5, Fort Drum, NY — Anal Sex Assault Charges Dropped

Soldier charged with the anal sexual assault of two other Soldiers (including a subordinate) plus stalking. After extensive litigation and motions, the government agreed right before trial to a guilty plea to only the stalking charge — dropping all sexual assault charges.

Result. Not Guilty of All Sexual Assault Charges. No Sex Offender Registration. No Confinement.

U.S. v. O-3, Navy Yard, D.C. — Sex Assault Charges Dropped

Reserve Navy officer accused of sexually assaulting one of his sailors while on active orders, charged with fraternization, conduct unbecoming, and false official statements. After extensive litigation, the government agreed to a misdemeanor special court-martial for only fraternization — no confinement, no dismissal.

Result. Retirement Preserved. No Sex Offender Registration. No Confinement.

U.S. v. CW-2, Washington, D.C. — Child Molestation

Army Chief Warrant Officer accused of sexually molesting his sons during a custody dispute. The defense investigation demonstrated the motives for the false allegation. CID found no probable cause.

Result. Case Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration. Career Preserved.

U.S. v. E-4, Fort Drum, NY — Sexual Assault

Army Corporal accused by another Soldier of sexually assaulting her in her barracks room — even though the allegation was clearly revenge for an ongoing relationship. The Army dismissed, the Soldier was retained at a board, and reached ETS with an honorable discharge.

Result. Honorable Discharge. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-5, Fort Knox, KY — Anal Sex Assault Charges Dropped

Soldier charged with anal sexual assault of another Soldier plus battery. After extensive litigation and motions, the government agreed at trial to a guilty plea for only misdemeanor battery.

Result. Not Guilty of All Sexual Assault Charges. No Sex Offender Registration. No Punitive Discharge.

U.S. v. E-6, Fort McNair, D.C. — CSAM

Staff Sergeant accused of possession of child pornography by his estranged ex-girlfriend; computers and phones seized. After investigation and motions, the Army agreed to a separation instead of a court-martial.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Confinement. No Dishonorable Discharge.

U.S. v. E-5, Dyess AFB, TX — Sexual Assault

Air Force Staff Sergeant accused of sexual assault by his estranged wife during a custody dispute. Discovery demands exposed her long history of lying and mentally disturbed behavior. Five days before trial, the Air Force dismissed.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-4, Fort Meade, MD — Sexual Assault · DV

Soldier accused of sexual assault and domestic violence by estranged wife in an ongoing custody dispute. A digital forensic extraction revealed the alleged victim’s own history of lies and violence. The Army agreed to a separation with a general under honorable conditions characterization.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration. No Dishonorable Discharge.

U.S. v. E-4, Grand Forks AFB, ND — Full Acquittal

Senior Airman accused of groping a sleeping Airman twice in one night based on “evidence” supplied by another suspect. At a judge-alone trial, Mr. Freeburg delivered a strong case that the other man was the actual culprit.

Result. Not Guilty of All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-4, Fort Drum, NY — Sexual Assault

Army Specialist accused of sexually assaulting another Soldier in her barracks room. After the Article 32 PHO recommended dismissal, charges were referred anyway. After further discovery and expert requests, the Army dismissed.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-5, Fort Meade, MD — Sexual Assault

Soldier accused of sexual assault of another Soldier from a short-term relationship. As evidence developed, the Army agreed to a separation instead of court-martial.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. O-5, Fort McNair, D.C. — Sexual Assault

Army Lieutenant Colonel accused by an Army Major of sexual assault during a date at his home. At the Article 32, Mr. Freeburg argued no probable cause — the sex was consensual and the Major had strong motive to fabricate. The PHO recommended dismissal; the Army dismissed.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration. Retirement Preserved.

U.S. v. E-4, Fort Bragg, NC — Child Sex Abuse

Soldier accused of sexual abuse of a child and sexual assault of her mother, facing many years in prison. After extensive litigation, the Army agreed to a separation instead of court-martial shortly before trial.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-5, Fort Campbell, KY — Rape Charges Dropped

Soldier charged with rape, battery, and extramarital relations. Defense discovered the alleged victim had lied about various details. The government agreed to a guilty plea for only misdemeanor battery and the extramarital relationship.

Result. Not Guilty of All Sexual Assault Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. O-3, Navy Yard, D.C. — Online Solicitation

Navy officer accused of soliciting sex from an underage male (actually an adult vigilante). After Cave & Freeburg prepared an unlawful entrapment defense, the Navy agreed to a separation instead of court-martial.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-6, Fort Knox, KY — Full Acquittal · 5 Sex Assault Specs

Staff Sergeant serving as NCOIC of a Lieutenant General’s Personal Security Detail charged with five specifications of sexual assault, aggravated assault with a loaded firearm, and many other allegations from his team. Mr. Freeburg dropped the steroid charges pre-trial, cross-examined the multiple accusers, and tied reasonable doubts together in closing.

Result. Not Guilty of All Sexual Assault and Aggravated Assault Charges. No Sex Offender Registration. No Confinement.

U.S. v. E-3, Sheppard AFB, TX — Sexual Assault

Airman accused of sexually assaulting two enlisted women, placed in pretrial confinement. Mr. Freeburg showed serious issues with one accuser’s story and that the other had made her allegation only after being caught in adultery. The Air Force agreed to a Chapter 4 discharge.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. O-5, Fort Belvoir, VA — Sexual Assault

Lieutenant Colonel accused of multiple specifications of sexual assault by an Army officer with an ax to grind. After a year-long investigation, Mr. Freeburg presented CID with exculpatory evidence proving the allegations were lies. No probable cause was found.

Result. Case Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration. Career Preserved.

U.S. v. E-2, Camp Lejeune, NC — Male Sex Assault Charges Dropped

Marine charged with sexual assault of two alleged male victims after alcohol-involved encounters and placed in pretrial confinement. After lengthy investigation, the government agreed to a guilty plea for only misdemeanor battery — time served.

Result. Not Guilty of All Sexual Assault Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-3, Camp Lejeune, NC — Life + 300 Yrs Avoided

Marine charged with male-on-male rape, penetrative sexual assault, multiple abusive sexual contact specs involving eight alleged victims — facing life plus 300 years. After seating a panel on day one of trial, the government agreed to a misdemeanor battery plea with time served.

Result. Not Guilty of Rape and All Sexual Assault Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-2, Camp Lejeune, NC — Rape Charges Dropped

Marine charged with penetrative sexual assault, multiple abusive sexual contact specs involving four alleged victims. Through lengthy motions and case investigation, the government agreed to a misdemeanor battery plea with time served.

Result. Not Guilty of Rape and All Sexual Assault Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-4, Sheppard AFB, TX — CSAM · Underage

Airman accused of having sexual intercourse with a thirteen-year-old girl and videoing it as production of child pornography. The defense built around the alleged victim’s claim of being nineteen and her mental health history and false allegations. The Air Force agreed to a Chapter 4 discharge.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-6, Fort Rucker, AL — Sexual Assault

Staff Sergeant accused of multiple sexual assault and fraternization specs by a junior Soldier with an ax to grind. Mr. Freeburg prepared a full-scale attack for the Article 32; the PHO recommended against general court-martial. The government withdrew and dismissed.

Result. Case Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-6, Fort Lee, VA — Attempted Sex Assault

Staff Sergeant accused of attempted sexual assault, indecent exposure, and soliciting unauthorized computer access. The government pressured a Chapter 10 by threatening sex-offender registration. Five days before trial, the government withdrew and dismissed.

Result. Case Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. O-5, Fort Belvoir, VA — Male-on-Male Sex Assault

Officer accused of male-on-male sexual assault by two Soldiers. Mr. Cave’s advocacy post-Article 32 resulted in all charges being dismissed and the client returned to full duty.

Result. Charges Dismissed. Returned to Duty.

U.S. v. E-4, RAF Lakenheath, UK — CSAM

Senior Airman accused of receipt, possession, solicitation, and attempted receipt of child pornography for having intimate pictures of his 16-year-old girlfriend. Mr. Freeburg investigated the allegations, fought the Article 32, and drafted a memorandum to the command. The Air Force granted Chapter 4 separation in lieu of trial.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. O-3, Naval Station Norfolk, VA — Cleared Pre-Charge

Officer accused of rape of a female co-worker — when in fact he was the real victim. Mr. Cave reported this to the MCIO, met with them, and provided corroboration. A thorough investigation cleared the client. An example of why hiring civilian counsel early is invaluable.

Result. Cleared. Returned to Full Duty. No Charges Preferred.

U.S. v. E-6, Fort Shafter, HI — Sex Assault · Indecent Recording

Staff Sergeant accused of sexual assault of his ex-wife and indecent recording/broadcast — all carrying sex offender registration. A week before trial, the prosecution offered a Chapter 10 discharge in lieu of trial.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. E-4, Italy (Air Force) — Sexual Assault

Airman accused of sexual assault of another Airman plus other misconduct. The defense investigated the alleged victim on social media and drafted a memorandum to the command. The Air Force granted Chapter 4 Separation in Lieu of Trial.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. Air Force O-6 (Deployed) — Rape Charges Reduced

Air Force Colonel accused of rape, war crimes, and other deployed offenses. After 18 months of investigation and a strong defense by Mr. Cave, the allegations were reduced to instances of adultery — for which only a letter of reprimand was given.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. Air Force E-5 (Pre-Trial) — Charges Dismissed

Airman accused of forcible rape. After a thorough investigation, Mr. Cave mounted an aggressive defense at the Article 32 hearing. All charges were dismissed without trial.

Result. Charges Dismissed. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. Marine Private, Quantico, VA — Charges Dropped

Marine Private accused of sexual assault of another Marine and order violation, placed in pretrial confinement. After extensive discovery and expert witness demands, the government dropped the court-martial charges.

Result. No Federal Conviction. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. Junior Soldier, Fort Rucker, AL — Full Acquittal

Junior Soldier accused of the sexual assault of another Soldier. Mr. Freeburg secured a complete victory.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

U.S. v. Army E-4 (Bench Trial) — Full Acquittal

Soldier accused of assaulting one female Soldier and sexually assaulting another. After a contested judge-alone trial, Mr. Cave secured a not-guilty verdict on all charges.

Result. Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Sex Offender Registration.

Related Practice Areas

• Article 120 / Sexual Assault Defense — Overview, strategy, and FAQs
• Domestic Violence Defense — Article 128, MPOs, custody disputes
• Military Appellate Practice — ACCA, AFCCA, NMCCA, CAAF
• High-Profile Cases — National news court-martial defense

Facing an Article 120, CSAM, or Child Case?

Every hour matters. Engaging counsel early — before charges are preferred — often produces the strongest outcomes. Cave & Freeburg, LLP travels worldwide to U.S. military bases.

By Philip Cave and Nathan Freeburg at www.court-martial.com. (Last reviewed May 12, 2026.)