Pentagon misconduct complaints increase; Fewer found guilty

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Department investigators say the number of complaints filed against senior military and defense officials has increased over the past several years, but more cases are being rejected as not credible and fewer officers are being found guilty of misconduct.

They say 803 complaints were filed in the fiscal year that ended last Sept. 30, compared to 787 the previous year. But just 144 were deemed credible and investigated by the IG, and 49 senior officials were eventually found guilty of misconduct.

Allegations against the officials often involve ethical misconduct, such as having an inappropriate relationship. They also include violating travel rules, wrongly accepting gifts, sending subordinates on personal errands or treating workers badly.

The data was released during a House Armed Services personnel subcommittee hearing.