United States v. Padgett

I disagree with the lead opinion’s conclusion that the order in Charge I is invalid under the circumstances.

The appellant, a 25-year old male at the time, had become involved with a 14-year old girl. The relationship had gone beyond being a platonic one. The girl’s mother made it very clear to the appellant’s commanding officer, via the duty officer, that she was opposed to the romantic relationship continuing. She had advised that “... if it continued, it’s going to be taken a lot further____” AE IV at p. 5. In response, appellant’s commanding officer advised him of the girl’s actual age and…