Air Force Academy Major found not guilty

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- After seven hours of deliberation, a panel of eight officers handed down a not guilty verdict for Major Elaine Christian.

Maj. Christian was accused of abusive sexual contact, abuse of training leadership position, and two specifications for dereliction of duty at the Air Force Academy. Prosecutors claim the major sexually abused a female cadet in 2019 and gave cadets under the age of 21 alcohol.

The trial lasted for five days and on Sunday a military court-martial acquitted Maj. Christian of all charges according to officials with the Air Force Academy.