Citadel officer accused of sexually abusing former cadet resigns from post

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) -

An officer at The Citadel who faces a charge of criminal sexual conduct resigned from his post Friday, the military college confirmed.

Kenneth Boes resigned from his post with The Citadel's Office of the Commandant effective Friday, according to a message sent to the military college by spokesman Col. John Dorrian.

Boes, 56, surrendered himself to State Law Enforcement Division agents Wednesday morning on one of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree and the transfer of beer or wine to a person under the age of 21.

The victim told investigators Boes used his position of power to force sexual contact. An affidavit states that on or around Sept. 29, 2017, Boes and the victim visited Boes' campus office after leaving the gym and, with the door closed and locked, Boes forcibly kissed the victim on his lips. The kiss was reportedly unsolicited.

Boes would also invite the victim to his on-campus residence on or around Nov. 10, where he would supply the victim with alcohol and unknown white pills Boes told the victim would prevent hangovers, according to the affidavit. 

When the victim took the pills, the affidavit states the victim became dizzy. Boes reportedly performed unsolicited sexual acts on the cadet while he was physically helpless. The victim blacked out while the sexual acts continued, and he awoke the next morning in the same bed as Boes.

When the victim asked Boes about the events of the previous night, Boes reportedly replied that it was "quid pro quo" for what he had done for the victim, according to the affidavit.

A judge set bond at $25,000 Wednesday and ordered Boes to stay away from his accuser.

The Citadel said Boes was a TAC officer, referring to "teaching, advising and coaching," and also assisted in military training. 

Dorrian said the school received an allegation of sexual abuse back in May and immediately reported it to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

"The Citadel will continue to cooperate fully with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and we encourage anyone who has knowledge of abuse related to this matter to contact SLED," the statement sent to the college community stated. "The Citadel’s outside investigator will also continue the college’s Title IX investigation of these allegations.  As these processes continue, though, The Citadel remains committed to the Constitutional principle that anyone accused of a crime or other violation is presumed innocent until proven guilty."

Boes himself attended The Citadel on a four-year Army ROTC scholarship and was designated as a distinguished military graduate, according to his biography which has since been taken down. As a Batallion TAC officer, he oversaw 450 cadets and was selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in May 2016. 

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