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Fairchild Airman Sentenced for Drug Distribution and False Statement

  • Published
  • By 92nd Air Refueling Wing Legal Office
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  A Senior Airman from the 92nd Security Forces Squadron pleaded guilty to distributing one ounce of marijuana and making a false official statement to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. 

Senior Airman Durrel Ward was found guilty by a general court-martial conducted by military judge Lt. Col. Steven Ehlenbeck. 

After hearing several hours of testimony and spirited closing arguments from government and defense counsel, Judge Ehlenbeck sentenced Airman Ward to a bad conduct discharge, four months confinement, and reduction in rank to airman basic. 

Court documents revealed Airman Ward admitted to selling approximately $225 worth of marijuana to another Airman after acquiring the drugs from a civilian in Spokane. Unbeknownst to Airman Ward, the Airman to whom he sold the marijuana was an undercover informant for AFOSI. 

The drug deal took place in the parking lot of a local grocery store in Airway Heights, Wash., in mid-April 2006. A few days later, when questioned by investigators, Airman Ward lied about distributing drugs, denying any involvement. 

Air Force defense attorney, Capt. Michael Hopkins of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, represented Airman Ward. Captain Hopkins pointed out several mitigating factors for the court's consideration. "These [factors] don't excuse his conduct, but they do help explain it," said Hopkins. 

During the sentencing case, lead prosecutor Capt. Gregory Yokas, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Legal Office, emphasized the importance of Air Force core values. "The Air Force cannot survive as a viable institution if we allow lies to go unpunished," said Captain Yokas. "Integrity? Service before self? Senior Airman Ward failed to live up to these values when he chose to deal drugs and tell official lies." 

"This case highlights the great teamwork of our investigators and prosecutors," said Capt. John Bacevicius, Fairchild chief of military justice. "Together, we are helping to keep Fairchild drug-free." 

The next court-martial at Fairchild is scheduled for April 17. Proceedings begin at 8:30 a.m. in the courtroom located in the Legal Office, which is in the Wing Headquarters Building.