NOT GUILTY of both Article 107 specifications for forging a fictional commander's name and for modifying an NCOER with the intent to deceive. NO Confinement. NO Reduction in Rank. Minor forfeiture of pay for unauthorized absence without leave.
March 31, 2016, Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan, U.S. v. E-7. Sergeant First Class assigned to 1-1 Special Forces is accused of attempting to deceive his chain of command with false official documents. Sergeant First Class is accused of forging a fictional commander's name on his leave forms when he attended a HALO course in the States, and with attempting to deceive his command when he allegedly modified his evaluation reports (called NCOERs in the Army). He denies the allegations and retains Mr. Gapasin to represent him. Gapasin investigates Special Forces unit and finds a culture of “unwritten,” sloppy policies regarding the process of taking leave in the States. Gapasin also reveals major flaws in the evaluation process thereby revealing how his client did not intend to deceive anyone regarding his evaluation. Gapasin goes to trial and cross-examines several high-ranking members of this Special Forces unit. RESULT: NOT GUILTY of both Article 107 specifications for forging a fictional commander's name and for modifying an NCOER with the intent to deceive. NO Confinement. NO Reduction in Rank. Minor forfeiture of pay for unauthorized absence without leave.