U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis A. Walker arrives from a lunch break during his court martial at Lackland Air Force Base, Monday, July 16, 2012 in San Antonio. Walker, a former training officer, is charged with illicit sexual contact with 10 female trainees. He is facing 28 counts including rape and is one of 12 instructors under investigation. (AP Photo/The San Antonio Express-News, Jerry Lara)
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Prosecutors have rested their case in an Air Force sex scandal trial in Texas and closing arguments are expected soon.
Lackland Air Force base spokesman Oscar Balladares says the case will enter its final stages Thursday afternoon.
Staff Sgt. Luis Walker, an instructor, is accused of sexually assaulting 10 trainees. Charges range from rape and aggravated sexual assault to obstructing justice and violating rules of professional conduct. If convicted, Walker could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Prosecutors wrapped up Thursday morning after two days of emotional testimony.
Officials have called the Walker trial the cornerstone case in an investigation of six Air Force instructors accused of similar crimes.
Investigators have identified at least 31 female trainees believed to be victims in the scandal that began in 2009.
