Tulsa Soldier Facing Rape Charges In North Carolina

Wire and Staff Reports

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- A Fort Bragg soldier accused of rape and break-ins both on and off the North Carolina post has an arraignment hearing Wednesday in military court.

The 82nd Airborne Division says the military has charged 22-year-old Aaron Pernell of Tulsa with two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, one count of assault consummated by battery, two counts of burglary and one count of housebreaking.  

Pernell is also is charged with six additional attacks, three each in Hoke County and in Fayetteville, between October 2008 and August 2009.

Pernell is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment stationed at Fort Bragg. 

Last month, Col. Johnny J. Johnston, the acting commander for the 82nd Airborne Division, referred charges to a general court-martial.

If he is convicted, Pernell could face live in prison.