Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - Friday, December 17, 1999
Mark Pratt, Associated Press Writer
Sgt. Cornelius Abner of Panama City, Fla., was convicted Thursday of forcible sodomy, breaking and entering, disobeying a lawful order and dereliction of duty. He received a dishonorable discharge, was demoted to private and must forfeit all pay.
A military jury acquitted him of a fifth charge - aggravated assault likely to produce death or grievous bodily harm.
Abner, 34, who had entered an innocent plea but did not testify in his own defense, stood stoically as the verdict was read. His sister - his only family member at the trial - burst out crying.
The victim said he met Abner on Sept. 4 outside the barracks, and the two were part of a group that spent the evening grilling food and drinking beer.
Early the next morning, the victim said he was awakened by Abner performing oral sex on him. Abner left after a brief scuffle with the victim.
Abner was a permanent staff member at the Soldier Support Training Institute at Fort Jackson and the victim was a member of the Maryland Army National Guard on a 10-week training assignment at the base.
Prosecutor Capt. John Cooper said Abner went into the victim's room uninvited and engaged in sex even though he had been ordered not to have any sexual contact without first informing potential partners of his HIV status.
Abner's defense attorney said there was no evidence that any sex took place and alleged that the victim was drunk.
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