FORT HOOD, TX — FORT HOOD, Texas - After a soldier has been missing for months, an investigation into sexual harassment allegations has been started at Fort Hood.
This comes after Fort Hood said there was no credible evidence of sexual assault last week.
The 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander, Col. Ralph Overland, has appointed an investigating team led by a senior investigating officer to conduct a commander’s investigation into allegations that Vanessa Guillen was sexually harassed.
This is referred to as an “AR 15-6 Investigation".
Pfc. Vanessa Guillen is a Fort Hood Soldier assigned to 3rd CR and has been missing from her unit since April 22.
An AR 15-6 Investigation is the Army’s standard method of investigation and is used to collect and analyze facts and make recommendations based on those facts.
The IO will gather the evidence, thoroughly and impartially consider it, and make findings and recommendations. Once the investigation is complete, the IO will present the findings and recommendations to Col. Overland for his review.
“I opened an investigation concerning the information provided by the Guillen Family that Pfc. Vanessa Guillen was harassed prior to her disappearance," said Col. Ralph Overland, Commander of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. "I take allegations of sexual harassment very seriously and we are conducting a thorough investigation."
“The 3rd Cavalry Regiment continues to aggressively search for Pfc. Guillen and will not stop until we find her,” Overland said.
CID is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for credible information leading to the whereabouts of Vanessa Guillen.LULAC has also announced they will contribute an additional $25,000 to the reward.
Tom Rheinlander, Fort Hood's Public Affairs Office director, reiterated, "We encourage anyone who may have information, no matter how minor, that could help in the safe return of Vanessa Guillen to please call CID agents at 254-495-7767 and share that information with them."
CID agents also can be contacted online at https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html. The person providing information can remain anonymous. All credible leads are being investigated.
