Entrance to Fort Cavazos, Texas, which has been under increased scrutiny since 2020 when Spc. Vanessa Guillen was killed on the base by a fellow soldier. Her family said she was sexually assaulted prior to her death, which led to several investigations reviewing the command climate and culture of the base, as well as officials handling of sexual-assault allegations and the professionalism of criminal investigators.

(Rose L. Thayer)

AUSTIN, Texas — A former Fort Cavazos brigade commander accused of inappropriately touching and kissing the spouse of a fellow officer had the criminal charges against him dismissed with the Army citing “newly discovered evidence.”

Col. Jon Meredith, 47, faced a court-martial on two counts of conduct unbecoming of an officer for his actions on July 23, 2022, while he was commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division.

A previous charge of abusive sexual contact was dismissed last month.

Instead, his punishment will move into administrative action, said Lt. Col. Tania Donovan, spokeswoman for Fort Cavazos and III Corps, which is headquartered at the Texas base.

Lt. Gen. Sean Bernabe, commander of III Corps and Fort Cavazos, made the decision based on the new evidence and in consultation with the Office of Special Trial Counsel, Donovan said.

“It was based on an assessment of multiple factors which guide every commander in deciding the appropriate means of addressing allegations of misconduct.

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