Posted on Sep 25, 2015
MSgt Curtis Ellis
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A retired Army colonel from Alexandria is suing one of his classmates from West Point during the 1980's, claiming her recent allegations of a rape from 30 years ago cost him a military promotion. Earlier this year Col Riggins filed a multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit against his former classmate, saying her claims of rape on what some consider a radical blog (Social Media), cost him a promotion to general in the United States Army. Do you think the Secretary of the Army's decision to pull Col Riggins' name from the promotion list was appropriate even though a review board ultimately decided Col Riggins was "fully qualified for promotion? Do you think the unsubstantiated past allegation, rehashed via social media site, should have been allowed to play an integral part in the decision making aspect of his career? Do you think her actions to post this on her site 30 years later were in response to learning that he was up for promotion? And, considering this is a touchy subject, please be thoughtful and respectful with your responses. Thank you! :)
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 13
COL Jean (John) F. B.
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MSgt Curtis Ellis - An allegation of rape from 30 years ago, without any proof, should not be used to impact a person's career.

Having said that, there is no chance COL Riggins will be reinstated and promoted. He will, however, probably win his defamation suit against his accuser, as he should.
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MSgt Curtis Ellis
MSgt Curtis Ellis
9 y
COL Jean (John) F. B. Agreed, Sir. It is, unfortunate, the toll on his career, especially if she is doing this out of spite...
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SN Greg Wright
SN Greg Wright
9 y
COL Jean (John) F. B. Well, I can't say it any better than that. Upvote.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
COL Vincent Stoneking
>1 y
And, indeed, according to the story I saw yesterday, he did! Win the suit. I agree, there is no way he would actually get his missed rank at this late date...
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Nancy Riggins
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A civil suit was tried in the Fairfax County, VA Circuit Court and concluded on August 2, 2017. The jury unanimously ruled in favor of Riggins and he was awarded $8.4 million in damages.
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Nancy Riggins
Nancy Riggins
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Correction. Trial ended August 1, 2017.
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SGT David T.
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Accusations and allegations are not proof. I cannot say if he is guilty or not, but the Army should not hold such things against someone without at least reasonable proof even if there is no conviction. Since they listed him as fully qualified he should have remained on the list absent any other factors.
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MSgt Curtis Ellis
MSgt Curtis Ellis
9 y
SGT David T. My thoughts exactly, but I guess the Sec of the Army did not want to risk his neck...
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SGT David T.
SGT David T.
9 y
MSgt Curtis Ellis - I am not surprised to be honest.
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