US Army reprimands senior leaders, multiple soldiers after monthslong sexual assault probe

The U.S. Army has reprimanded multiple soldiers following an investigation into allegations that reserve unit leaders mishandled reports of sexual harassment and assault.

The United States Army has reprimanded multiple soldiers following a monthslong investigation into allegations that leaders of an Illinois-based reserve unit improperly handled reports of sexual harassment and assault. The Army opened a probe into the 416th Theater Engineer Command in January 2020 at the request of Illinois Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth after The Associated Press published a story reporting that commanders had brushed aside sexual assault complaints within the unit and retaliated against a whistleblower. The findings from that investigation were released publicly Tuesday in a redacted version of the report, which determined that the unit's former leader, Maj. Gen. Miyako Schanely, had failed to properly implement the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program. Schanely was suspended last year as part of the probe. Army officials said Tuesday that Schanely has relinquished her command. Two more senior leaders have faced administrative action for their performance failures, though Army officials did not reveal their names, ranks or positions. Administrative action was also taken against 12 other soldiers, whose identities were not disclosed, "based on adverse findings in this case," according to Army officials. Actions against three unidentified civilian employees were still pending.