Another Air Force Cadet Implicated In Drug Scandal
Charges Involve Ecstasy, Marijuana And Ritalin
Air Force Academy officials are trying to decide whether a court-martial should be held for another
cadet implicated in a drug scandal at the school.
Junior Kevin M. O'Keefe appeared in a military court Tuesday for
an Article 32 hearing, which is similar to a civilian preliminary
hearing. He is charged with using and distributing ecstasy, using
and possessing marijuana, distributing Ritalin and soliciting
another cadet to possess ecstasy. He faces up to 44 years in
prison.
O'Keefe did not test positive for drugs, according to a document
presented Tuesday by his defense. But he admitted to investigators that
he used ecstasy with his girlfriend at a club in Denver last fall,
according to testimony.
The case against O'Keefe could largely hinge on the testimony of
former cadet Stephen D. Pouncey, who was sentenced in January to 3?
years in prison for using and dealing drugs.
O'Keefe and another cadet charged, senior Neil E. McColgan, were
in the same squadron as Pouncey. McColgan is also facing a
court-martial.
Pouncey testified by phone from prison at Fort Leavenworth,
Kan., during Tuesday's hearing, but he said at least a half-dozen
times that he did not remember the details of his dealings with
O'Keefe.
A prosecutor said that Pouncey could face another court-martial
because his plea bargain was based on giving accurate statements to
investigators.
Pouncey testified during McColgan's hearing that the two had
used drugs together.
The academy superintendent, Lt. Gen. J.D. Dallager, is reviewing
the results of O'Keefe's hearing.
The investigation into drug use at the academy began last fall
and has involved at least 35 cadets.
Twelve were eventually cleared; two were court-martialed,
including Pouncey, and sent to military prison; nine were punished
for not coming forward with information; one quit the academy and
five face court-martial, including O'Keefe. At least six remain
under investigation.
Previous Stories:
Junior Kevin M. O'Keefe appeared in a military court Tuesday for
an Article 32 hearing, which is similar to a civilian preliminary
hearing. He is charged with using and distributing ecstasy, using
and possessing marijuana, distributing Ritalin and soliciting
another cadet to possess ecstasy. He faces up to 44 years in
prison.
O'Keefe did not test positive for drugs, according to a document
presented Tuesday by his defense. But he admitted to investigators that
he used ecstasy with his girlfriend at a club in Denver last fall,
according to testimony.
The case against O'Keefe could largely hinge on the testimony of
former cadet Stephen D. Pouncey, who was sentenced in January to 3?
years in prison for using and dealing drugs.
O'Keefe and another cadet charged, senior Neil E. McColgan, were
in the same squadron as Pouncey. McColgan is also facing a
court-martial.
Pouncey testified by phone from prison at Fort Leavenworth,
Kan., during Tuesday's hearing, but he said at least a half-dozen
times that he did not remember the details of his dealings with
O'Keefe.
A prosecutor said that Pouncey could face another court-martial
because his plea bargain was based on giving accurate statements to
investigators.
Pouncey testified during McColgan's hearing that the two had
used drugs together.
The academy superintendent, Lt. Gen. J.D. Dallager, is reviewing
the results of O'Keefe's hearing.
The investigation into drug use at the academy began last fall
and has involved at least 35 cadets.
Twelve were eventually cleared; two were court-martialed,
including Pouncey, and sent to military prison; nine were punished
for not coming forward with information; one quit the academy and
five face court-martial, including O'Keefe. At least six remain
under investigation.
- February 16, 2001: Air Force Cadet Pleads Not Guilty In Internet Sex Case
- January 31, 2001: Air Force Cadet Pleads Guilty To Dealing And Using Drugs
- January 19, 2001: Drug Charges Filed Against Airman
- January 10, 2001: Air Force Cadets Under Investigation
Copyright 2002 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
