Washington - Sgt. Maj. Gene McKinney, formerly the US Army's highest-ranking enlisted soldier, was convicted yesterday of one count of obstruction of justice in his sexual misconduct court-martial.
McKinney, a 29-year veteran who was the first black man to become the Sergeant Major of the Army, had been charged with 19 counts of misconduct, ranging from making threats to mistreating subordinates to indecent assault and adultery and two counts of obstructing justice. This verdict means McKinney could face up to five years in prison, but under military law, the jury need impose no penalty.
McKinney has steadfastly denied all charges, and his lawyers have argued that he was made a scapegoat for the Army's difficulties in integrating women into the service.