Fort Carson soldier pleads guilty to sex with girl

A Fort Carson soldier has been sentenced to 10 years of confinement and a dishonorable discharge after pleading guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl.

The Gazette reports that 23-year-old Spc. Richard A. Sheltra plead guilty Monday to four charges during his court martial on post.

Sheltra apologized for his behavior but said he and the victim were in love and their acts were consensual. Another Fort Carson soldier, Pfc. David Burke, was convicted June 21 of similar charges against the victim and sentenced to six years of confinement.

Sheltra was an M1 armor crewman with the 4th Infantry Division’s 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team.

An additional soldier is being investigated on allegations of similar misconduct against the victim, post officials said Tuesday.