Washington, D.C. — An Article 32 preliminary hearing in the case of United States v. Major Jason P. Watson is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. EDT at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Major Watson is represented by Monument Legal.
An Article 32 preliminary hearing is a proceeding under the Uniform Code of Military Justice that takes place before a case may be referred to a general court-martial. A neutral preliminary hearing officer reviews the charges to determine whether there is probable cause to believe an offense was committed and that the accused committed it, examines the form of the charges, and makes a recommendation about how the case should proceed. It is an early step in the military justice process, not a trial, and Major Watson is presumed innocent.
Members of the media and the public interested in attending should be aware that access to the installation and the hearing may require advance coordination, credentialing, and check-in, and that recording equipment and other items may be restricted. Those planning to attend are encouraged to make arrangements in advance.
Media access inquiries should be directed to the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs Office:
Mr. Gregory Hapgood, Public Affairs — gregory.hapgood@us.af.mil