After an anonymous tip was made to the Pentagon's inspector general regarding long term extramarital affairs conducted by Army Maj. Gen. David Haight, his 30-year career in the Army was brought to an abrupt end. An investigation gave rise to allegations that Haight had maintained an 11-year adulterous affair with Jennifer Armstrong, in addition to other partners when the couple engaged in sexual liaisons with other women, both of which are criminal acts in the military. Haight was relieved of his responsibilities in May of 2016 and is currently awaiting a decision regarding which of the ranks he held during his career his retirement salary will be based. Any demotion stands to cost Haight tens of thousands of dollars each year.
A Long-Term Upward Trajectory With a Surprise Ending
From his entrance as a second lieutenant in 1986, Haight had an exemplary Army career. He served in eastern Afghanistan in 2009 as 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division and became a top aide to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2010. He was promoted to brigadier general in 2013 and was in charge of running operations at the U.S. European Command when his secret life was discovered. Haight had access to some of the US Army's most sensitive information, and it is alleged that he could have easily become a target for blackmail if his affair had been discovered by the wrong people.
Haight Granted Three Promotions While Maintaining Adulterous Affairs
Despite screeners who review the stability of military personnel before they are promoted to advanced positions with access to classified information, nothing had been discovered revealing Haight's alleged personal life during the years he purportedly maintained his adulterous affairs. Evidence links Haight's and Armstrong's affair back to 2005 when they met at an Iraqi army base. Hundreds of emails between Haight and Armstrong, which investigators claim contain sexually explicit material, have since been discovered, and Haight was later shown to have spent more than 1400 minutes on his government-issued cell phone making personal phone calls between June and November of 2015 alone. Haight was said to have been aware of how vulnerable he was to blackmail yet believed that he and Armstrong were sufficiently discreet to remain anonymous indefinitely.
No Charges Filed but Retirement Rank to Be Determined
Although no charges have been filed against Haight, he is currently awaiting the decision from a board who will determine the last rank at which he had served honorably. Considering the length of his adulterous affairs and number of promotions that he earned while maintaining those affairs, a demotion could lead to a significant annual reduction in retirement salary. Haight was also ordered to end his communications with Armstrong and has since publicly apologized for the pain he has caused his family.
Contact a Military Defense Lawyer if You Are Under Investigation for Adultery in the Military
If you have been charged with adultery or other sex crimes in the military, contacting an experienced military defense lawyer is the best way to receive fair treatment in the military justice system. Patrick J. McLain, Attorney at Law and Judge Advocate, has been practicing criminal and military law for over 25 years. He will investigate claims against you thoroughly, and work to have charges dropped, or negotiate with the military to reduce any potential actions they may take against you. If you are facing any charges in the United States Military, contact Patrick J. McLain for a free and confidential consultation, and let him help to secure your reputation and future.
