HUNTER AAF, Ga. - A Hunter Army Airfield soldier is being investigated for allegations of misonduct, and her deployment has been delayed as she consults with her legal counsel.
According to Hunter spokesman Kevin Larson, allegations of misconduct against Specialist Alexis Hutchinson, 21, surfaced just days before her scheduled to deployment to Afghanistan.
Hutchinson, a member of the Combat Aviation Brigade, has been asked to stay on the installation while the allegations are being addressed.
The Associated Press reports Hutchinson is a single mother who reportedly had no family members able to care for her 10-month-old son during deployment.
Larson said her deployment was delayed so officials could ensure her child was cared for and so she could meet with an attorney. Army officials have been assured Hutchinson's mother is caring for the child.
The AP reported that Huthinson's attorney, Rai Sue Sussman, says Hutchinson planned for her mother in Oakland, Calif., to keep the child during her yearlong deployment, but Hutchinson's mother decided she couldn't because she's caring for three other relatives with illnesses and special needs.
Hunter officials said she was supposed to be on a flight last week, but the allegations of misconducted delayed her deployment.
"Currently, thousands of Soldiers at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield are deploying overseas. However, because of her circumstances, Specialist Hutchinson's commander is reexamining whether or not she will be able to deploy. Because her case could present a hardship to not only her child but also her extended family, Specialist Hutchinson's command has halted her departure and will continue to work with her legal counsel," said Larson.
Larson said if soldier's children do not have someone to watch their child, the soldier becomes non-deployable. Larson added that child welfare is a "primary concern to commanders."
The investigation is ongoing. No specific charges have been filed.
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