Military Sentences Marine Originally Charged With Raping A Japanese Teenager

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In a country where the definition of "sexual assault" is as ambiguous under its own laws as a double edged sword, it was sort of ironic when the Japanese community, including the Japanese Prime Minister, led protests against Marine Staff Sergeant Tyrone Hadnott, 38, accused of raping a 14-year-old.

Hadnott, stationed in Okinawa, had given the teen a ride three months ago, where he admitted to pinning her down and trying to kiss her. He was arrested on charges of rape.

She had accused him of raping her inside of his car, the allegation that spawned the arrest and created a torrential rain of anger and protest against the situation as well as the presence of some 40,000 American Military members stationed in Japan.

Even a visit to the region by the US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, in late February, brought about an expression of concern for the community and regret over the incident, almost publicly condemning Hadonott for the crime before he had been tried:

"We just regret deeply that this happened. (It) is very hard to see something like this happen and it's especially hard because it involves a young girl."

The Japanese teen later withdrew her complaint against Hadnott.

The US Military proceeded with its prosecution of the Marine, but on charges of "abusive sexual contact" for holding down and kissing the teen. He was court martialed, received 4 years in prison and a dishonorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps.

Justice served.