US Air Force Member Denies Assault Charges in Okinawa

A 25-year-old U.S. Air Force member stationed in Okinawa, Brennon Washington, has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor under 16 years old. The incident allegedly occurred in December when Washington drove the girl to his home and engaged in nonconsensual sexual acts, despite claiming he thought she was 18 and that the interaction was consensual. The trial has sparked tensions between local residents and the U.S. military, with concerns about U.S.-Japan relations. The victim and her mother are expected to testify in the upcoming court hearing on August 23, as prosecutors argue that Washington made it impossible for the girl to express non-consent.