Report faults top Pentagon aide's behavior at overseas clubs

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter's former senior military aide used his government credit card at strip clubs or gentlemen's clubs in Rome and Seoul, drank in excess and had "improper interactions" with women during business travel with Carter, according to a report released Thursday by the Defense Department inspector general.

The 50-page report describes in detail two strip clubs or show clubs where the aide, Maj. Gen. Ron Lewis, spent more than $1,000 on champagne and drinks.

It includes conflicting statements Lewis made to investigators explaining the outings and on several occasions quotes his acknowledgement he was drunk or drank to "more than moderation."

Lewis, whom Carter fired nearly a year ago, submitted a written rebuttal slamming the investigation, saying the IG assembled an inaccurate and inflammatory case based on innuendo and had failed to "find the truth."

The inspector general's report stated Lewis improperly used his credit card, lied to a bank to get charges removed and said he was guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer, a violation of the code of military justice.

In the rebuttal, which was obtained by The Associated Press, Lewis denied the bar he went to in Rome was a strip club and denied he went to a strip or gentleman's club in Seoul, South Korea, in an area of the city the report calls "Hooker Hill." Many clubs in that area are considered off-limits for U.S. military, according to the report.

The report also details several inappropriate interactions Lewis had with women, including one late-night incident in his hotel room when he was drinking with a female enlisted service member who later told investigators he tried to kiss her. According to the report, a female Defense Department staff member who saw Lewis and the woman alone in the room, told him, "Sir, respectfully, you're being really stupid. Don't do this. She needs to come and stay in my room."

Carter issued a statement Thursday saying he was briefed on the investigation but would defer comment pending an Army review.

He added, "I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department, particularly from those serving in the most senior positions. There is no exception."

The report said Carter was unaware of Lewis' conduct until he was told about it. The report will go to Army leaders who will determine what, if any, punishment is required and at what rank Lewis would be able to retire.

Lewis also issued a statement Thursday, saying he made some of the mistakes outlined in the report but strongly contests others.

"From the onset, this process was unfairly influenced by statements made and actions taken at the highest levels of the Department of Defense," he said.