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8h ago

U.S. Marine Jailed for Seven Years for Sexual Assault in Okinawa

The ruling has intensified demands to overhaul the Status of Forces Agreement in response to community outrage over repeated crimes by U.S. service members.

Judicial members, including Judge Kazuhiko Obata, center back, for the sexual assault case of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton, at the Naha District Court in Okinawa.
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Overview

  • Naha District Court found Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton guilty of choking and attempting to rape a woman in Yomitan in May 2024.
  • Judge Kazuhiko Obata credited the victim’s precise and authentic testimony and matched blood evidence indicating sustained neck compression.
  • Prosecutors had sought a decade-long sentence but Clayton was given seven years and is considering an appeal of the verdict.
  • Okinawa, which hosts 70% of Japan’s U.S. military facilities on just 0.6% of its land, saw 80 service members charged in 2024 alone, fueling deep anti-base sentiment.
  • Officials including Governor Denny Tamaki have renewed pressure to renegotiate the 1960 Status of Forces Agreement to grant Japan greater authority over U.S. personnel accused of crimes.