Air Force Drops Some Affair Charges But Female Officer Still Faces 10-Year Sentence, May Resign

The Air Force has dropped nine charges against a female lieutenant who faced 55 years in prison after an affair with a married officer.

Lt. Crista Davis, 28, still could be sentenced to 10 years on the remaining charges: failure to report to duty, dereliction of duty, making a false official statement and conduct unbecoming an officer. The nine charges that were dropped dealt with Davis’ job performance, including planning a luncheon and holiday party as well as preparing official reports.

“The charges have been modified … to focus on the most significant matters,” said Lt. Michael Braibish, spokesman for Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where Davis is stationed.

Davis said the Air Force is reacting to the bad publicity it has received in her case and that of Lt. Kelly Flinn, the B-52 pilot who was allowed to resign last week in lieu of a court-martial on adultery and other charges.

“It was OK when it was between me and them and the wall,” Davis said Thursday.

Louis Font, Davis’ attorney, said he plans to fight the remaining charges at a scheduled hearing June 9. But Davis said she would like the Air Force to drop the charges in exchange for her resignation.

“I don’t care for this,” she said. “It makes me feel dirty. I don’t feel this is what the military should be all about.”