McKinney accuser: stayed silent to protect career

McKinney en route to court Tuesday

February 17, 1998
Web posted at: 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT)

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia (CNN) -- The only officer among six accusers at the court-martial of the Army's former top enlisted soldier completed her testimony on Tuesday, saying she did not initially report alleged sexual misconduct because doing so could damage her Army career.

Maj. Michelle Gunzelman is the second alleged victim to testify at the trial of Sgt. Maj. Gene McKinney.

"Any time you report something -- I have seen this in the military -- any time a woman raises a red flag, it sticks with her the rest of her career," Gunzelman said during defense cross-examination in the trial's third week.

Under defense questioning, Gunzelman admitted taking part in adulterous affairs with officers and improper fraternization with enlisted soldiers. Adultery is a crime in the military.

Earlier, she described two incidents in which she said McKinney suggested they have sex. Gunzelman said the first suggestion was in jest, but that McKinney was "fishing" to see if she was willing.

She said the second incident took place in Germany in 1994 when McKinney grabbed her arm and trying to kiss her.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Brenda Hoster -- the woman who first came forward to accuse McKinney of sexual misconduct -- was due next on the stand. Defense and prosecution lawyers were arguing over what questions she can be asked.

Related stories:

• McKinney's chief accuser denies faking evidence - February 12, 1998
• McKinney accuser omitted sensational charges out of embarrassment - February 11, 1998
• Witness felt McKinney asked her to lie - February 10, 1998
• Wrangling over jury continues in McKinney court-martial - February 5, 1998

Related sites:

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• U.S. Army
• Army Policy on EO and Sexual Harrassment
• Dept. of Defense - Sexual Harassment

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