Lieutenant Colonel Michael Morris faces military charges after leaving the UK as authorities investigated allegations involving child sexual abuse material.
A senior US Air Force officer previously stationed at the US Embassy in London is facing military charges following an investigation into suspected child sexual abuse material. The BBC identified the staff member as Lieutenant Colonel Michael Morris, who served as an assistant military attaché at the embassy in south-west London.
The investigation began after American authorities alleged that Lt Col Morris received abuse material from his brother, Benjamin Morris, 33, of Illinois. Benjamin Morris faces US trial charges related to possession and dissemination spanning March to April 2026, which he denies. Although Lt Col Morris was not a diplomat, he held diplomatic protection and was flown out of the UK on a civilian flight in August before British police could question him.
The US Embassy confirmed in September that it had reassigned the staff member to the United States while inquiries continued. A US Air Force spokesperson stated that formal charges have been preferred and are assigned to the Air Force District of Washington. A military hearing was scheduled for November at Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC to determine if the case proceeds to a court-martial. Lt Col Morris remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
