Air Force Cadet Accused of Distributing, Using Molly and LSD at the Academy

The Air Force Academy will hold an Article 32 hearing for Cadet 3 rd Class Nathaniel Penalosa on Aug. 17 th .

Penalosa was charged on July 1 st with illegal use, distribution, and introduction onto a military base of LSD (Schedule I controlled substance), Modafinil (Schedule IV controlled substance), and Methlyenedioxy-methamphetamine (Schedule I controlled substance, commonly referred to as “Molly”), and manufacture of Methlyenedioxy-methamphetamine (aka “Molly”) in violation of Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

An Article 32 hearing is similar to a civilian grand jury proceeding.

A preliminary hearing officer presides over the hearing, and submits his or her report of the proceedings with recommendations to the Special Court Martial Convening Authority (SPCMCA).

The SPCMCA (Commandant of Cadets) will then decide whether to dismiss the case, recommend to the Academy Superintendent that the case be referred to a General Court-Martial, or dispose of the case through other disciplinary or administrative action.