air force gets naked

[7mmag6]

Kirtland major, captain charged with felony for streaking

The streaking incident occurred following Friday night’s game at Isotopes Park.


Last Update: 06/02/2003 12:05:29 PM
By: Kurt Christopher


Eyewitness News 4 has learned two men arrested for running naked through Isotopes Park following Friday night’s game are high ranking officials from Kirtland Air Force Base.

Police say Air Force Captain Eric Stephans, 29, and Major Bernard Sopky, 32, were drunk and disorderly when they decided to go streaking. Now, both are charged with fourth-degree felonies.

After each home game, the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball team allows children onto the field to run the bases. That’s when police say Stephans and Sopky decided to join the children – naked.

The criminal complaints obtained by Eyewitness News 4 states Major Sopky and Captain Stephans “exposed their genitals with the intent to threaten or intimidate… in full view of more than 100 people, many of them children.”

The criminal complaint also states Stephans and Sopky were drunk at the time, and “led stadium security on a small chase, causing an uproar.”

That is, until police arrived and arrested the men.

Now, the two airmen are charged with aggravated indecent exposure. The district attorney says it is a fourth-degree felony because children were involved.

Isotopes spokesperson David Bearman says he’s appalled and so is the team’s management.

“It’s inappropriate behavior regardless of who they are, if they’re in the military or everyday fans,” said Bearman. “We can’t have anybody on the field doing what they did. The Isotopes don’t take that very kindly and neither does [the Albuquerque Police Department.]”

Kirtland Air Force Base officials declined to speak on camera to Eyewitness News 4 about the incident. However, Kirtland spokesperson 2Lt. Michele Estep said over the phone, “The issue is being handled by the Albuquerque Police Department. Once we know more, they [Major Sopky and Captain Stephans] will be punished on base depending on the circumstances of what actually happened.”

Major Sopky and Captain Stephans are currently out of jail on bond. If they are convicted, they could each face 18 months in prison.

[Dallas]

They can also, in all likelihood, kiss their military careers goodbye. Conduct unbecoming. Sounds like it won't be any great lose to the Air Force though. Stupid, stupid, stupid!!!

[Shaun]

I agree Dallas, alcohol just brings out the stupidity in people and they don't understand the idea that their actions can affect their futures.

[Big Dog]

The USAF used to have the perfect place to put errant young hotheads like this when they embarrassed their superiors - Thule, Greenland. "There's a woman behind every tree - problem is, no trees!"

[dhermesc]

With all the children involved it does go from prank to felony pretty quick. I used to have a T-shirt (I finally matured out of it) that said "Instant A**hole, Just add Alcohol". My wife says I don't need the alcohol anymore.

[Bert24b]

"exposed their genitals with the intent to threaten or intimidate" Wow... Those dudes must be hung like horses if their genitals actually threaten or intimidate anybody. I suppose if they'd run across the field fully clothed they would have gotten them for carrying a concealed weapon.

-Bert

[Klaus]

Air Force personnel frequently get naked. Many of the females earn cash at strip clubs as performers, with the consent of their commands.

[Big Dog]

Bert, you gotta remember these laws are written by limp-wristed Liberal wimps to pander to the sexually-confused Soccermoms.
They'll turn a twig into a shilleleigh at the stroke of a pen.

[Dale]

Yeah, but, did they have to do it in front of kids?

More than likely, if convicted, they will have to register as sex offenders. Not only will their careers be kissed adios but getting a decent job, in the future, will be nearly impossible.

It's things like this that brings bad press on all those that keep their noses clean.

[Stewart]

Well you can believe as "Officers and Gentlemen" this little incident will fry their careers quick, there is not nearly the same level of leeway for officers as for enlisted members.