Fort Hood Prostitution Ring Case

MSG Grimes found guilty of 2 charges in prostitution court-martial

December 4, 2013
Killeen Daily Herald by Chris McGuinness

FORT HOOD — After a two-day court-martial that has made national headlines, a III Corps master sergeant was found guilty Tuesday night of two of four charges against him.

Master Sgt. Brad Grimes, 37, was found guilty of conspiring to patronize a prostitute and solicitation to commit adultery. He will be demoted to sergeant first class and will receive a letter of reprimand.

The verdict was handed down by a six-person jury after nearly two hours of deliberation.

Grimes was not convicted on two other charges of patronizing a prostitute and committing adultery.

Grimes conspired with another Fort Hood noncommissioned officer, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen, to arrange to have sex with a female private first class at the Killeen La Quinta Inn in February, according to prosecutors. Both Grimes and the female private are married.

“The plan was for prostitution,” Maj. Elizabeth Walker, a military prosecutor, said in her closing argument.
Grimes’ defense team argued there was no conspiracy to procure a prostitute, no money was exchanged and the sex never happened.

“He was tempted, and it’s not a crime to be tempted,” Grimes’ civilian lawyer, Daniel Conway, said in his closing statement. “In the moment of truth, he did the right thing.”

Conway said the real conspiracy was between McQueen and the female solider, who he theorized were in the early stages of trying to organize “sex parties” that had nothing to do with his client.

“McQueen will have his day in court — that is not this case,” Conway said.

MSG Grimes apparently never had sex with the soldier/provider. He backed out of the meeting and never paid the alleged "pimp", SFC McQueen. Hence the conviction on the two conspiracy charges and not the actual patronizing and committing charges,


SFC McQueen

As I understand it, the main reason he was in trouble, in spite of the fact that he backed out, was that he did NOT turn in his subordinate who was allegedly strong-handing the girls and arranging the meetings. McQueen allegedly was in the starting stages of setting up his "prostitution ring".

To me, this is the troubling part. Very troubling.

I eagerly await to see what ends up happening with SFC McQueen.

SFC McQueen was a sexual abuse educator. He is an Air Defense Artillery soldier and assigned to the 69th ADA Brigade.

The "girls" were two Private First Class soldiers that he "allegedly" recruited to sell sex to senior NCOs. Allegedly, he had already successfully recruited the first soldier. He was in the process of recruiting the second girl, to become a provider, when she turned him down. They say "the pimp hand is strong". In this case, he sexually assaulted the girl for turning him down. It was her complaint of the sexual assault by a superior, that brought this case to light.

She had the guts and determination to do the right thing. She turned in an NCO 4 grades above her rank. I salute her courage.

MSG Grimes would not turn in an NCO 1 grade below his. He lost one stripe and will likely be allowed to hang around for another 3 years and retire at 20. He has to live with his disgrace the rest of his life, yet he will be allowed to wear a uniform and to have authority over others. Shame on you, former MSG Grimes.

I won't make a prediction as yet, but a senior Non-Commissioned Officer who abused his power over subordinates in this manner, well, he brings great disrespect to rank, his person, the Army and our nation, which entrusted him with his authority and entrusted our junior soldiers to his care.

Abuse of one's authority is not excusable. Our soldiers and our nation expect and deserve better.

Respectfully

OldSarge

MSG Grimes was also reduced in grade to SFC (E-7) as a part of his conviction.

The PFC testified and SFC Grimes admitted that he got her info from SFC McQueen. The CID had 30 minutes of taped conversation between the PFC and then MSG Grimes, who withdrew $300 from an ATM on the way to LaQuinta......

Damn that's horrible, someone getting convicted of conspiring to pay to have sex with someone. What a disgrace. I cant believe that anyone would break the law and pay to have sex with a whore. What is this world coming too? Arent we being a bit judgmental. Im sure none of us would do something like that.

Well Ranchhand I think we're all guilty of paying for sex for whatever reason that's each individual's choice but the fact that this senior NCO had turned or trying to turn soldiers into working ladies show poor judgement and definitely not the qualities of a good leader. Grimes should have known better if he was a MSG and was approached about paying another soldier for sex he should have never even thought about it hell he could have checked out BP if he wanted a quick fix our boys and girls in the armed forces already have plenty to worry about without this kind of behavior from their leaders, so I say they deserve whatever they got coming to them but this is just an old NCO's humble opinion

I agree that McQueen should be in trouble, but Grimes just wanted some pussy. As with most of us, sometimes the little head prevails

He knew it was a lower enlisted soldier, he knew it was "arranged".
As prior service, I am appalled that he is not now a PFC...
Everyone wants pussy, but as an E-8, you have to be selective as to where you get it, end of story.

MSG Grimes was not convicted for attempting to see a prostitute, per se. That was the basis of the charge, yes, but that is not what he was really convicted of. One of his soldiers (an E-7 mind you) was pimping out two of his subordinates (E-3s). He is guilty of breaking the cardinal rule of "taking care of your soldiers". Subordinates of his subordinates were being abused under his authority and not only did he not report it, he "almost" participated in the abuse. Then, as if he had not diminished the uniform and service enough with that, he did not report the abuse after he backed out of the "deal". He was convicted of a lesser charge, yes, but that is what they pinged him on.

He lucked out if you ask me, I mean just think, this piece of crap is going to retire at 20 years and get his pension. Do not think of the crime, think of the way he disrespected our uniform, our nation, our soldiers, etc. I am in the service, I am an NCO and I take pride in the uniform. This is crazy business, plain and simple. We need to look at it from this perspective. I have read how many of us do not like pimps, well now focus your dislike toward these pieces of crap. They were either actively partaking in (E-7) or condoning (E-8) the "pimpestry".

There are my two cents. I hope this helps those who do not understand why he was convicted, understand why he was convicted.

Damn that's horrible, someone getting convicted of conspiring to pay to have sex with someone. What a disgrace. I cant believe that anyone would break the law and pay to have sex with a whore. What is this world coming too? Arent we being a bit judgmental. Im sure none of us would do something like that. Originally Posted by Ranchhand

I don't expect any less of an answer from a "man" like you. I am a former soldier and your signature says you were once a marine. we don't need leadership like yours. same kind of guy would handcuff a whore and stand by while she is raped and robbed of $5,000 by his buddy

you pimped whores out and treated us like trash. you took and took and lied and cheated

I am better than this and better than you. I am done with this board and proud to be done with you ranch .

Mods, please take me off of your whore board as the former mod called it. I am out of here.

peace out

Sweetie you are definitely no better than me or anyone. I will admit that you got treated badly by a pimp, but it wasn't me. I never took money from you and never had sex with you. All I did was lend you money for motel rooms to try and help you out. You were in such a daze at that time you probably don't remember any of it. Your brain was so messed up you didn't know if you were coming or going. I know, a bit off subject but just replying to your charges. I could tell things about you that would curl some of these guys toes, but I wont, because I am a bigger man than that. You forget that I took care of you when the pimp stole from you and left you alone in that hotel room. So don't come off as all high and mighty because you are no way innocent from what happened to you. The best of luck to you and I do hope you get off the stuff that's not good for your body or your brain if you have any left.

Associated Press | Mar 08, 2014

FORT HOOD, Texas - A Fort Hood sergeant who was a coordinator of the post's sexual assault and harassment prevention program faces multiple charges after he was accused of setting up a prostitution ring involving cash-strapped female soldiers.
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen was charged Friday with 21 counts related to pandering, conspiracy, maltreatment of a subordinate, abusive sexual contact, and adultery and conduct of a nature to bring discredit to the armed forces, according to a Fort Hood statement.

An Article 32 hearing, the military equivalent of a civilian grand jury proceeding, is scheduled for March 20 and 21 at Fort Hood.


It was not clear if McQueen had an attorney Friday, Fort Hood spokesman Christopher Haug said. A home number for McQueen could not be found.

Last May, the Army said a sergeant first class was being investigated on allegations of sexual assault and possibly arranging for at least one woman to have sex for money. The Army said he was one of the coordinators of the program at Fort Hood.

Army officials declined to release his name at the time, but two officials speaking anonymously to The Associated Press because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case identified that soldier as McQueen, who was assigned as a coordinator of a battalion-level sexual assault prevention program at the Central Texas Army post.

U.S. officials had said he was being investigated in connection with activities involving three women, including sexually assaulting one woman. At the time, a Defense Department official in Washington said it was not clear if one of the women was forced into prostitution or participated willingly. McQueen remains suspended from his duties but is free pending trial, Haug said.

From the Army Times today. "The general court-martial of a noncommissioned officer accused of trying to start a prostitution ring at Fort Hood, Texas, is slated to begin Wednesday.

After nearly a year of hearings and delays, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen is expected to stand trial on 21 criminal charges, including pandering, adultery and sexual assault, according to a Fort Hood news release. Trial judge Lt. Col. Rebecca Connally will preside; the case will be heard by at least a five-member military jury.

McQueen, a former III Corps sexual assault prevention officer, is accused of trying to recruit young, cash-strapped female soldiers to have sex with higher-ranking noncommissioned officers.

At least two of those female soldiers are expected to testify, the Killeen Daily Herald reported.

Much of their expected testimony is already known, thanks to the 2013 court-martial of former Master Sgt. Brad Grimes. Grimes an 18-year veteran, was found guilty of conspiring to patronize a prostitute and solicitation to commit adultery. He was demoted to sergeant first class and received a letter of reprimand.

During Grimes’ court-martial, McQueen was said to have recruited young, financially distressed female soldiers to be part of an escort service involving senior noncommissioned officers.

McQueen also allegedly assaulted another female private who revealed the scheme to Fort Hood authorities. She told investigators that McQueen touched her inappropriately during what she termed an “interview” to be part of the ring."


Respectfully,
OldSarge

The court martial of SFC McQueen will be finished in the morning. The courtroom was the same one used for Nidal's trial as well as the MP who raped two of our ECCIE ladies and several BP ladies. (This time the sandbag wall surrounding the building had been removed).

Prior to the trial, the defense team entered a plea bargain, in exchange for a reduced maximum time to be served. SFC McQueen pled guilty to 15 of the 21 charges. These were four specifications of attempted pandering, two specifications of pandering, three specifications of conspiracy to solicit prostitution, two specifications of violating regulations, one specification of dereliction of duty and two specifications of mistreatment of a subordinate.

The prosecution agreed to drop five charges as a part of the plea, including a charge of sexual abuse and four lesser charges. That leaves one charge yet to be decided.

McQueen waived a trial by his peers, so there was no jury. He spent the first few hours testifying to the judge why he was guilty of the 15 charges to which he had already entered a guilty plea.

The judge will decide in the morning the guilt or innocence of SFC McQueen on the single remaining charge of "assault by battery". This is related to the claims made by the 20 year old soldier that turned him in at the start of this case. She testified today and the defense team argued she could not be trusted, as her story had changed over time.

In the end, McQueen will be found guilty of 15 or 16 of the charges against him. He will be sentenced to 40 years and 6 months or to 41 years. (Depending on if he is found guilty of the assault by battery charge.) His sentence will be capped at less than the 40 years, but that will likely not be reported in the press. Also, the judge does not know, prior to sentencing, what that cap may be.

I suspect McQueen will also receive a BCD (Bad Conduct Discharge) and be reduced in rank.

The court martial will end Thursday and we will know then, the outcome.

Overall, This is a very troubling incident. Our soldiers deserve to be treated with respect and deserve to be able to trust their leadership to take care of them, not to take advantage of them.

I will post the outcome tomorrow.

Respectfully,

OldSarge

Guilty of the 16th charge.

Dishonorable discharge.

Forfeiture of pay, benefits, retirement and retirement pay.

Two years confinement. (Prosecution only asked for 5 years)

Reduction in rank to E-1.

Pathetic.

Wow. Just wow. Thanks for keeping us updated on the case.