WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — A former commander at the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is facing legal trouble in the military justice system.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, Col. Christopher Meeker was the base commander. This position is the public face of the base, and it’s a lot like being the base’s city manager.
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Social media video from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base shows Meeker being installed as the latest commander in July 2022.
“The missions that happen on this base are incredibly impressive,” Meeker said.
When Meeker had that job, it was his responsibility to take care of the day-to-day operations of the base, running it just like a city.
“Serve each other with passion. And care for the families, the airmen, and the communities here at Team Wright-Patt. Thank you very much,” Meeker said.
As previously reported by News Center 7, Meeker was removed from the position on Dec. 29, 2023, “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead.”
Meeker was charged on Oct. 25 with three violations of “Articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice” and is now facing a court-martial.
“A court-martial is a trial. It’s just in a military context,” Thompson said.
Greg Thompson is a criminal justice professor at Cedarville University. He’s also a retired Air Force Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.
JAGs are military lawyers who handle prosecution, defense, and even judicial work.
They’re the kind of personnel who will handle Meeker’s case.
After an investigation, Meeker was charged with disobeying superior commissioned officer, extramarital sexual conduct, and fraternization.
His trial is scheduled for June 9, 2025, at Scott Air Force Base near St. Louis.
“It’ll be a jury just like it would in any courtroom. The only difference it’ll be a military jury. They’ll all be in uniform,” Thompson said.
If Meeker is convicted, he could face a range of severe professional punishments.
Potential sentences could impact his military pension. He could even be kicked out of the Air Force, or face prison time.
Meeker’s defense lawyer is with Joint Base Langley-Eustis Area Defense Counsel in Virginia.
News Center 7 reached out for comment but has not heard back.
We will continue to follow this story.
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