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Japanese Court Upholds U.S. Airman’s Conviction for Assault

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Japanese High Court upheld the conviction of U.S. airman Brennon Washington for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in Okinawa.
Washington, 26, must complete his five-year sentence in a Japanese prison.
The court dismissed his appeals, citing credible victim testimony and security footage.
Washington argued he believed the girl was 18 and that their interaction was consensual.
The case sparked public protests in Okinawa, leading U.S. Forces Japan to implement stricter policies for service members.

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Story summary

A Japanese High Court upheld the conviction of U.S. airman Brennon Washington for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in Okinawa.
Washington, 26, must complete his five-year sentence in a Japanese prison.
The court dismissed his appeals, citing credible victim testimony and security footage.
Washington argued he believed the girl was 18 and that their interaction was consensual.
The case sparked public protests in Okinawa, leading U.S. Forces Japan to implement stricter policies for service members.