FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 RELEASE NO.  43-08

CADET SENTENCED – June 2, 2008

       WEST POINT, N.Y. – Michael J. Martin, C Company, 4th Regiment, Class of 2007, pleaded guilty today to attempting to possess child pornography, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and obstruction of justice.  He was sentenced to 30 months confinement, dismissal from the Army and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.

      Martin was formally charged in Feb. 2008 with three violations of Article 80 (Attempting to Posses Child Pornography), United States Code, Title 18, Section 2252A, one violation of Article 92 (Failure to Obey a General Order), one violation of Article 133 (Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman), and one violation of Article 134 (Obstruction of Justice), of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

     “After considering all of the evidence, Cadet Martin’s behavior was found to be inappropriate and inconsistent with the values of the academy.  The actions in this case were in violation of the UCMJ and the standards of conduct of the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Army,” said Col. Bryan Hilferty, Director of Communications.