A U.S. military court started hearing arguments this week on a high-profile prostitution case that occurred at the U.S. Army installation Fort Hood.
According to The Guardian, several women servicemembers stationed at Fort Hood appeared before the court Dec. 2, testifying that they were sexually exploited by a sergeant who was involved with the base's sexual assault and harassment prevention program. Prosecutors added that the sergeant specifically targeted young women servicemembers who were facing financial strife.
While the alleged leader of the prostitution ring, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen, has yet to be charged because he is still under investigation by the Army, Master Sergeant Brad Grimes has been charged with conspiring to pay a female private for sex, the news source reported. However, his lawyers have denied the charges.
"At the end of the day, Master Sgt. Grimes chose to do the right thing and not have sex with that young lady," said defense attorney Daniel Conway, as quoted by the news source. "This is really a case about sex parties, and Master Sgt. Grimes had nothing to do with that."
News of Fort Hood's alleged sex ring broke last May when McQueen was accused of sexual assaulting a Fort Hood servicemember who he attempted to recruit for sexual services, according to Military Times. The servicemember later raised the complaint to base officials.