In a recent case highlighting the ongoing issue of crimes committed by U.S. military personnel in Okinawa Prefecture, a 25-year-old U.S. Air Force serviceman was indicted for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in December. Shockingly, the Foreign Ministry failed to inform the Okinawa Prefectural Governor about the incident until it was reported by the media this week.
Crimes, especially of a sexual nature, committed by U.S. military personnel in Okinawa have sparked anti-U.S. military sentiment among local residents, making it a politically and diplomatically sensitive issue. The delayed notification from the Foreign Ministry could potentially worsen the already strained relationship between Okinawa and Tokyo.
The indictment accuses Brennon Washington of approaching an underage minor at a park on December 24, taking her home in his car, and sexually abusing her. This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for better oversight and accountability within the U.S. military stationed in Japan.