Col. William Jones, the former vice commander of the 20th Fighter Wing who was relieved in February, has been charged with possession of child pornography and obstruction of justice.
The 20th, which is located at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, said in a release Monday that charges were preferred against Jones on June 29. Jones will face a preliminary hearing on Aug. 8. He is alleged to have violated Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
"The charges are being worked through the legal process outlined in the UCMJ, and Col. Jones is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law," Col. Stephen Jost, commander of the 20th, said in the release.
Jost relieved Jones of command Feb. 17. At the time, the wing said it was due to a loss of confidence, but did not offer any further explanation as to why Jones was relievedwhat had caused his removal.
Jones was removed as second-in-command of the 20th Fighter Wing in February.
Photo Credit: A1C Jonathan Bass / Air Force
"The Air Force relies on all airmen, and especially commanders of all levels, to uphold and adhere to the highest standards, to foster a professional atmosphere," 20th spokeswoman Keavey Rake said in February. "When these standards are not met, confidence is lost and we cannot allow the individuals to remain in positions of command."
Jones was temporarily reassigned to the Ninth Air Force headquarters, the wing said at the time. Monday's release said he is serving as deputy chief of safety.
Stephen Losey covers personnel, promotions, and the Air Force Academy for Air Force Times. He can be reached at slosey@airforcetimes.com.
Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations.
