FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A military judge will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., on whether Major Jason P. Watson should be released from pretrial confinement. The decorated U.S. Air Force officer has been held in a Maryland civilian detention center since August.
Major Watson is a decorated career Air Force officer with more than seventeen years of service and no criminal history. A 2005 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he has served around the globe and earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and multiple other decorations. Three years from retirement, he now sits in jail.
Since his August arrest, Major Watson has been held in what his counsel describe as de facto solitary confinement — 20 to 22 hours a day alone in a small cell, lights on around the clock. His case has been referred to a general court-martial, with trial set for February 2027. The hearing concerns one question: whether he should remain confined while his case proceeds.
Major Watson is represented by Christopher Mutimer and the Monument Legal team, with Major Heather Bruha, Senior Defense Counsel, and Ms. Lorena Marez.
“This officer served his country for seventeen years, and today he sits alone in a cell with the lights on around the clock, awaiting a trial that has not happened,” said Christopher Mutimer, partner at Monument Legal and counsel for Major Watson. “The public and press have every right to see how this is handled. We ask reporters to come, watch, and judge for themselves. Sunlight matters here.”
Press Access — November 17 Hearing:
The hearing is open to the media and public, and attendance is encouraged. To attend, email Mr. Hayden Hallman at Hayden.Hallman@us.af.mil in advance. Reporters must provide identifying information for base and courtroom access, so reach out early in the week. Monument Legal can assist at info@monumentlegal.com.
Media Contact: Monument Legal, (202) 670-2390, info@monumentlegal.com