Press release: Air Force lieutenant colonel convicted of rape Published Aug. 14, 2014 By Staff Reports 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany - -- A U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel was found guilty of rape, a violation of Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, by a military judge Aug. 7, 2014. Lt. Col. Michael J. Briggs, the former 52nd Fighter Wing chief of safety, was sentenced to dismissal from military service, a reprimand and five months confinement. An American female military service member came forward in July of 2013 with an allegation of criminal conduct from 2005. The trial began Aug. 4, 2014, in the base courtroom. The 52nd FW takes allegations of criminal conduct by its members very seriously, regardless of the rank of the accuser or that of the alleged offender. In the military justice system, just like in its civilian counterpart, any person accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The military justice system is dedicated to pursuing the truth and administering justice. For more information, contact the 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 0656-5616012 or e-mail 52fw.paoffice@us.af.mil.