US News

Senior US Air Force officer reportedly faces child abuse material charges

BBC News reports that charges have been preferred against a senior Air Force officer, with a November military hearing to follow.

Updated Oct 27, 2026 · 18:24 UTC1 reports

The short version

BBC News reports that a US Air Force officer at the US embassy in London has had charges preferred over alleged child sexual abuse material.[BBC News]
The officer is understood to be Lt Col Michael Morris, an assistant military attaché, who left the UK before British police questioned him.[BBC News]
His brother, Benjamin Morris, is awaiting trial in Illinois on related charges, which he denies.[BBC News]
A military hearing in November at Joint Base Andrews will determine whether the case goes to court-martial.[BBC News]

The US Air Force says charges have been preferred against Lt Col Michael Morris, who is assigned to the Air Force District of Washington.[BBC News]
The BBC understands the staffer is Lt Col Michael Morris, who worked as an assistant military attaché at the embassy in south-west London.[BBC News]
The staffer, accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, left the UK before being questioned by British police.[BBC News]
Benjamin Morris, 33, is facing trial in Illinois for possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, which he denies.[BBC News]
A military hearing was due in November at Joint Base Andrews, and Lt Col Morris will only enter a plea if the matter is referred to court-martial.[BBC News]

Whether the case will proceed to a court-martial remains undetermined until the November military hearing.[BBC News]
US investigators allege that Benjamin Morris shared abuse material with his brother; this is an allegation, and Benjamin Morris denies the charges against him.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.