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Airman sentenced for drug use

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rosemary Gilliam
  • Base Legal Office
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  An Airman was convicted of two specifications of wrongful use of marijuana in a special court-martial held here June 22. 

Airman Eric Williams, assigned to 325th AMXS, was charged with two specification of wrongful use of marijuana, in violation of Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, after he tested positive on drug tests in October and January. The October positive drug test result was the product of a random urinalysis. 

Originally, after the positive result in October, Airman Williams was given an Article 15. The January positive drug test was the result of a commander directed sweep of the Airman's unit. 

Airman Williams confessed and pled guilty to the October drug charge against him. During his guilty plea for the October use, Airman Williams confessed that he had smoked marijuana with his girlfriend. Even though Airman Williams received an Article 15 for his October drug use, the government was not prohibited from bringing the charge to the June court-martial, and did so. As to the January drug charge, a fully-litigated court-martial was held before court members. After two days of proceedings, the members found Airman Williams guilty of wrongful use of marijuana. 

During the sentencing phase of the court, members reviewed documentary evidence and heard arguments from both the government and the defense counsel. The members returned with a sentence of 30 days confinement and a bad conduct discharge for both of the drug offenses. 

"This case should serve to send a message to Air Force members that marijuana use is not compatible with military service, and it will not be tolerated," said Capt. Ezra Glanzer, assistant staff judge advocate. 

In 2005, there were 497 convictions Air Force wide for wrongful drug use, including 87 convictions in the Air Education and Training Command and five convictions at Tyndall Air Force Base after random drug tests. 

To date in 2006, more than 2,000 military members have been tested for drugs here at Tyndall. Additionally, in 2006, there have been 191 convictions in the Air Force for drug use, to include 43 in the AETC and four at Tyndall. These numbers illustrate the effectiveness of the Air Force urinalysis program. 

This Airman was the fourth individual at Tyndall to be convicted and sentenced to jail based upon a positive urinalysis this year.