Jury selection begins in Air Force Academy Major court-martial

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- A general court-martial is underway in the U.S. Air Force, for a female major now facing sexual abuse charges.

Jury selection began at 9:30 Tuesday in the case of Major Elaine C. Christian. She is charged with one specification of an alleged sexual contact, abuse of training leadership position, and two specifications for dereliction of duty.

Prosecutors claim the major sexually abused a female cadet in 2019. Prosecutors told prospective jurors Tuesday that the reported victim will testify in court this week.

Christian is also charged with giving alcohol to cadets who weren't 21 yet.

The prosecution asked potential jurors Tuesday about their views on sexual assault and past experiences with sexual assault.

Meanwhile, the major's defense team asked the juror pool how they thought someone's mental health could have an impact on their ability to make a fair ruling.

The trial is expected to last four to five days, and opening statements are expected to begin Wednesday, June 9.

If found guilty Christian would have the choice of who would sentence her: A judge or a panel of military members.
If that happens, she told the judge Tuesday she wants to be sentenced by military members.