American Airman guilty of vandalism spree in Misawa

"That's the price you pay for our protection." - A high-ranking US official referring to the rape of a 12-year-old Okinawan girl by three American soldiers.

by T.D. Flack

from Stars and Stripes, newspaper of the occupiers

Airman alleges others involved in destruction

A "night of destruction" at the base golf course — and allegedly conspiring with other airmen to commit an off-base vandalism spree — cost a Misawa security forces member his career Tuesday.

Senior Airman Koby A. Torzillo, with the 35th Security Forces Squadron, was sentenced to one year in jail, forfeiture of $933 per month during confinement, reduction to E-1 and a bad-conduct discharge at his court-martial on base. Torzillo pleaded guilty to damaging or destroying government property, making a false official statement, concealing stolen property and conspiracy to destroy or damage nongovernment property. 

He was given a pre-trial agreement that guaranteed a "special" court-martial, with a cap on the maximum sentence. He also agreed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation into fellow squadron members, identified in court documents and by base officials as Airman 1st Class Jessie M. Holt and Airman 1st Class Michael T. Kerr. 

Torzillo agreed to testify against them if their cases go to trial. As of Tuesday, neither had been charged.

He admitted helping cause $30,000 in damage during a free-for-all at the base golf course on Jan. 31 with Kerr. Before the night was over, Torzillo said, they had used golf carts, a snowmobile, a tractor and a backhoe to cause the damage.

Torzillo said he conspired with Kerr and Holt to go on an off-base vandalism spree on Feb 4. He said they armed themselves with police batons and a hammer, wore gloves and covered the bottoms of their shoes to hide prints. 

Torzillo said they damaged several vending machines and broke the windows out of several cars before deciding to break into a high school, stealing computers, bullhorns and a suit. 

Base officials said the off-base crimes Torzillo detailed fall under the jurisdiction of Japanese officials. A Misawa police spokesman confirmed Tuesday that an initial investigation had been conducted, but prosecutors in Aomori city could not be reached late Tuesday to confirm whether they intend to pursue a case against the Americans.

Stars and Stripes collaborator Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report.