Fort Bragg soldier sentenced to two years in prison, convicted of sex assault and battery
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) -- An 82nd Airborne soldier has been convicted of sexual assault and domestic battery and sentenced to two years in prison as well as dismissal from the Army.
Captain Richard Camacho's sentencing was handed down Friday afternoon, following a week-long court martial on Fort Bragg. Late Thursday, he was found guilty of battery and "forced sex contact," against his ex-wife, also a former 82nd Airborne soldier. The incident occurred in 2012, following a return from deployment and admission to an affair with a subordinate by Camacho's then-wife. She testified last week that the soldier had beaten her in their Bunnlevel home after the admission, and that she chose not report immediately because she was concerned about his career and still loved him.
Harnett County authorities chose not to prosecute the case in 2012, citing lack of evidence. The victim declined their suggestion to file battery charges, and declined medical care immediately following the incident.
At the time of the report, the victim was in the process of being discharged from the Army for her affair.
A host of therapists, family members, and friends testified on behalf of both West Point graduates last week. Friends, after taking photos of the victim's injuries from the waist down, encouraged her to come forward to Army officials and report Camacho, who pleaded not guilty to all charges. The victim also testified she'd experienced ear drum damage from the beating that prevented her from flying again. She is a military pilot.
Camacho is currently in the Lee County jail, as the Army decides where he'll complete his sentence. He will also lose all benefits and pay.
During the sentencing phase, a jury panel was shown and heard news clips of Camacho's story from a radio interview and an I-Team story with Eyewitness News last month. Camacho has always denied the charges, citing the military's focus on combating sex assault as part of the reason the case moved forward. He said "self-preservation," was the reason for his ex-wife coming forward with the allegations.
Earlier in the week, an Unlawful Command Influence defense motion was denied, but his military attorneys argued key medical and service records were not made available during the discovery phase of trial, and that the evidence may have helped clear him. Prosecutors regularly attacked defense witnesses' character, and portrayed Camacho as short-tempered. Defense witnesses, including Camacho's current girlfriend, said he was never violent toward women.
When the sentence was read, Camacho's eyes rolled to the back of his head, and he had trouble breathing. His family said Monday they stayed with him until 4 a.m. at Womack Army Medical Center, where he received IV treatment before being transferred to Lee County.
An automatic appeals process has begun. Several Congress members are also examining the case.
