A commander’s investigation at Fort Hood is examining allegations that Army Pfc. Vanessa Guillen experienced sexually harassment in the ranks before she went missing in April.
Col. Ralph Overland, commander of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, has appointed a team overseen by a “senior investigating officer,” to conduct an AR 15-6 investigation into the allegations, according to a Fort Hood press release.
Army Times first reported the news on Wednesday.
“I opened an investigation concerning the information provided by the Guillen Family that Pfc. Vanessa Guillen was harassed prior to her disappearance,” Overland said in the release. “I take allegations of sexual harassment very seriously and we are conducting a thorough investigation.”
Guillen, who has been missing from Fort Hood since April 22, reportedly told her family that she was being sexually harassed by a “superior officer.”
Related link: Army now offering $25,000 reward for information regarding missing Fort Hood soldier
Chris Grey, spokesman for U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, told Task & Purpose that they are “not aware of any report of sexual harassment by Pfc. Guillen or any other soldier on her behalf.”
He added, however, that CID is “looking at all possibilities” and hasn’t ruled anything out.
The Army recently increased the reward offered for information regarding Guillen’s whereabouts to $25,000. Anyone with information is encouraged to call CID agents at 254-495-7767, or contact them online.
“The 3rd Cavalry Regiment continues to aggressively search for Pfc. Guillen,” Overland said. “And will not stop until we find her.”