Four KY Soldiers Charged With Sexual Assault

Police have arrested four Kentucky National Guard soldiers following an investigation into a reported sexual assault in Calloway County.

According to the Kentucky State Police, Troopers responded on the morning of June 3 to Murray-Calloway County Hospital after getting a report of a sexual assault. The preliminary investigation reportedly showed the four suspects, who were in Calloway County in preparation for weekend deployment, gave the victim alcohol and then sexually assaulted her.

Police arrested 25-year-old Anthony R. Tubolino of Auburn on charges of second degree rape, second degree sodomy, and third degree unlawful transaction with a minor; 19-year-old Tyler A. Hart of Bowling Green on charges of first degree sexual abuse and second degree sodomy; 21-year-old Austin L. Dennis of Monfordville on a charge of second degree sodomy; and 22-year-old Jacob F. Ruth of Monfordville on a charge of second degree sodomy.

All four suspects were booked into the Calloway County Jail.

Kentucky National Guard Maj. General Stephen Hogan released a statement Wednesday afternoon about the incident, condemning sexual assault and expressing support for local police as they investigate the case.

"Sexual assault is not only a reprehensible act, it is a criminal act.  First and foremost our goal is to support the victim of this incident.  It is damaging to our morale, to our readiness and to our combat ability.  It has no place in the Kentucky National Guard,” Hogan said. “It goes against all the values we hold dear as service members in the U.S. Military.  The men and women of our organization are our greatest resource and we will do all we can to support the victim."

Guard officials also said the accused soldiers are entitled to due process, and no action will be taken until the Kentucky State Police investigation is completed.