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Peterson Air Force Base colonel found dead amid sexual offense charges

Posted at 12:31 PM, Sep 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-26 20:49:07-04

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- An Air Force officer who faced several charges over alleged sexual misconduct died in his home Sunday, Air Force officials said. 

Officials announced 46-year-old Colonel Eugene Marcus Caughey's death is under investigation by the Colorado Springs Police Department. 

Caughey, who formerly served as 50th Space Wing vice commander at Schriever Air Force Base, lived off-base.

Officials said his court-martial was set for Oct. 17, over charges including conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman, alleged sexual offense, adultery and more. 

Air Force Base leadership removed him from his post amid the charges on June 17, 2015. 

Colorado Springs Police are conducting a death of undetermined origin investigation, although officials say the death was first reported as a suicide. 

The El Paso County Coroner's Office will conduct its own investigation, however it could be weeks before there is an official cause of death announced. 

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