Durbin Urges Army Secretary To Hold Illinois Army Reserve Leaders Accountable & Protect Sexual Assault Victims
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke to U.S. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy to receive an update on the status of an ongoing investigation into the mishandling of sexual assault allegations at the 416th Theater Engineering Command (TEC), an Army Reserve unit in Darien, Illinois. Following an Associated Press article in January, Durbin and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to the Army calling for a comprehensive investigation into the handling of such claims as well as a review of any allegations within the 416th of reprisal against victims of sexual assault or harassment and advocates. Recently, a number of Command Leadership service members were suspended after the investigating officer completed its fact-finding.
“I remain deeply concerned about the mishandling of sexual assault and harassment allegations by Command leaders at the 416th, and I urged Secretary McCarthy to ensure a thorough and timely investigation. It is critical that such issues are handled appropriately, including when it comes to providing victims with the resources they need and protecting them against reprisal. This misconduct and these pervasive cultural problems are unacceptable, within the Army and across our military,” Durbin said.
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