On Thursday the investigating officer heard from three of the alleged victims in the case against Tech Sgt. Samuel Wicks. He also received stacks of evidence -- over 30 exhibits -- including victim statements, photos, and a sexually explicit video.
Prosecutors said the government may not be able to get testimony from the fourth victim. That witness is a reservist and is now on IRR (Inactive Ready Reserve). Attorneys said they had one phone conversation with the woman during which she told them she did not want to have anything to do with the case and would not testify. Now they can’t find her.
Prosecutors told the investigating officer they may attempt to re-activate the reservist so that they can force her testimony. Wicks is charged with indecent conduct with one trainee and developing personal relationships with four trainees.
Each of the witnesses told similar stories, of an initial Facebook or email contact with Wicks in which he seemed professional -- but each said he began taking the online and texting relationship farther, toward a personal and ultimately sexual nature.
There have been 25 training instructors investigated in the Lackland sex scandal so far; Five have been convicted and seven more have been charged.
