WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP)-- An advocacy group says the Pentagon made misleading claims about sexual assault cases to block legislation that would change how the military handles allegations of sexual
misconduct.
In a report released Monday, Protect Our Defenders criticized the Pentagon for telling Congress that if the bill is passed fewer sexual assault cases would go to trial.
The group supports the legislation.
Military representatives have defended the accuracy of the information.
The legislation aims to stop sexual assaults by stripping senior officers of their responsibilities to decide whether to prosecute sexual assault cases and giving that authority to seasoned trial lawyers.
An Associated Press investigation published Monday found the Pentagon used the cases to cast civilian law enforcement officials as less willing than military commanders to punish sex offenders.
