VANDENBERG AFB - A Vandenberg Air Force Base staff sergeant has been court-martialed for exposing himself while at a drive-through restaurant window earlier this year.
According to the Santa Barbara News Press, Staff Sgt. Ivan Flores, 30, pleaded guilty to military judge Lt.Col. Jeffrey Ferguson on two specifications, or counts, of indecent acts.
The acts are a violation of Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the congressional code of military criminal law.
Article 120 covers 36 offenses involving rape, sexual assault and other sexual misconduct.
The court-martial result was released this week by Vandenberg officials, but the legal proceedings took place July 14.
"Flores' misconduct was discovered when the owner of a local restaurant reported his misconduct to local law enforcement authorities," according to Vandenberg officials.
The investigation determined that on two separate occasions, Staff Sgt. Flores was in a vehicle at a drive-through window at Orcutt Burgers and exposed himself. The incidents took place in March and April.
The acts were witnessed by two employees, including a minor.
Following the second incident, restaurant staff took down a license plate number of the suspect's white Mitsubishi Montaro Sport, as well as his description. Staff Sgt. Flores was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor indecent exposure a few days later at his home in the 3000 block of Orcutt Road by Santa Barbara County Sheriff's deputies.
He was released on his own recognizance.
Staff Sgt. Flores, who was assigned to the 576th Flight Test Squadron, was sentenced to a reduction in his rank to airman basic.
He also forfeited all his pay and allowances and received a 16-month confinement. He will also receive a bad conduct discharge from the Air Force when his confinement is completed.
Air Force trial counsel Capt. Jazmine Russell presented the evidence for the military, while Maj. Jeremy McKissack and Capt.
Matthew Bush defended Staff Sgt. Flores.
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