US Soldier Sentenced to 10 Years in S. Korea Rape

A 21-year-old US soldier stationed in South Korea has been sentenced to 10 years in prison today for raping a 16-year-old girl. Pfc. Kevin Flippin was convicted of breaking into the girl’s boarding room and threatening her with scissors, a knife, and a lighter while committing numerous “sadistic and sexually perverted acts." He also robbed her of about $4.50.

Flippin’s sentence is the second harshest for an American soldier in the country in nearly two decades, the AP reports. "Our sincere apologies go out again to the victim, her family, and the Korean community," the 2nd Infantry Division said in a statement after the sentencing. Top US military and government officials had also apologized publicly after the case, and a second similar rape allegation against another soldier, came to light. (More South Korea stories.)