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News Release: Investigation findings result in preferral of charges against former 19th Air Force commander

  • Published
  • By Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  

Official charges for alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice were preferred Sept. 21, 2023, against Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip A. Stewart, former 19th Air Force commander, at JBSA-Randolph. 

Stewart was relieved of command of 19th Air Force, May 9, 2023, by Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command.   

Due to the impending charges, Stewart is currently serving in a limited capacity at an alternate duty location at JBSA-Randolph. 

Following the preferral of charges, a military judge will preside over an Article 32 hearing.  The Article 32 hearing is currently scheduled to occur on Oct. 24, 2023, at JBSA-Randolph.  An Article 32 hearing is a preliminary hearing equivalent to a civilian grand jury proceeding.  The presiding officer will review the evidence presented, which may include testimony from witnesses to determine if probable cause exists that the accused committed offenses in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  

Airmen are afforded the right to due process, and considered innocent until proven guilty, in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  To protect the integrity of the judicial process, the privacy of personnel impacted by the alleged offense(s) and the rights of the accused, additional details regarding the evidence cannot be released at this time.  

If formal charges are referred to a court-martial following the Article 32 proceedings, the charges will be listed on The Judge Advocate General’s Corps Department of the Air Force public docket website, prior to court-martial proceedings.  

Direct all questions about the preferred charges and Article 32 hearing to Air Education and Training Command public affairs at (210) 652-4400.