Retired Maj. Gen. David Hale has been charged with seven counts of “conduct unbecoming to an officer and a gentleman” and one count of making false official statements and is slated to face a court martial.
Although Hale was originally accused of 17 violations of military law, but nine of the charges were dropped after Hale waived his right to a preliminary “Article 32” hearing, which is the military’s equivalent of a grand jury.
Hale is accused of having affairs with the wives of four subordinate officers. At least one of the wives has accused Hale of forcing her into a sexual relationship by threatening to charge her husband with adultery — an offense that could cost him his job.
Hale is the second Army general to face a general court martial and the first to be charged as a retiree.
