US Marine Pleads Not Guilty to Kidnapping and Rape Charges in Okinawa

Tokyo – A US Marine has been charged with the alleged kidnapping and rape of a minor in Okinawa, Japan, just before Christmas last year. Okinawa police confirmed the charges to CNN on Wednesday.

Accused and Plea

Brennon Washington, a 25-year-old U.S. Marine based at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday. Washington is accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor, a case that has sparked anger among residents and risks straining U.S.-Japan relations.

Trial Details

In his first trial hearing at the Naha District Court, Washington denied the accusations, stating he did not kidnap or sexually assault the girl. His lawyer claimed Washington believed the victim was 18 years old and that she had consented to his advances.

Indictment and Custody

Washington was indicted on March 27 on charges of “non-consensual sexual intercourse” and “indecent kidnapping,” according to a court representative in Naha. The US military handed him over to Japanese authorities on the same day. Following his indictment, Washington was released on bail and returned to Kadena Air Base, where he remains in custody. His trial is set to begin on July 12.

Context and Tensions

This incident occurs amid strengthened military ties between Washington and Tokyo, driven by rising geopolitical tensions involving China and North Korea. The alleged rape adds to a series of criminal incidents involving US military personnel in Okinawa, which has a significant US military presence. This history of incidents has fueled local opposition to the American military presence on the island.

Local Reaction

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed deep regret over the allegations, emphasizing the need for a firm protest against the US military and related entities. Governor Tamaki indicated his administration would adopt a stringent approach in handling the situation.

US Military’s Stance

The US Marine Corps confirmed Washington’s assignment to the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kadena Air Base. First Lieutenant Alvin G. Nelson III, a spokesperson for the 18th Wing, acknowledged the sexual assault allegation and assured that Wing leadership is taking the matter seriously, emphasizing the US military’s commitment to holding those convicted of criminal acts accountable.

Historical Incidents

This case comes nearly 30 years after the infamous 1995 incident where three US servicemen raped a 12-year-old Okinawan girl, leading to widespread resentment against the US military presence on the island. In 2016, the rape and murder of a 20-year-old woman by a former US base worker led to mass protests demanding the relocation of US bases from Okinawa and resulted in curfews for US personnel.

Diplomatic Reactions

On March 27, the same day Washington was indicted, Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Masataka Okano, called for stricter discipline among US military personnel and formally protested to the US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel. The US Embassy in Japan acknowledged the case but refrained from commenting and directing inquiries to Kadena Air Base.

US-Japan Relations