DAYTON, Ohio — A former commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was sentenced Tuesday to 21 days of confinement after pleading guilty to disobeying a superior officer and fraternization.

Col. Christopher Meeker also faced a charge of extramarital sexual conduct, but that was dropped after a plea agreement was reached. 

Meeker had been accused of having a relationship with a staff sergeant, as well as disobeying orders to end the relationship. In addition to his sentence, he also received a reprimand and a total forfeiture of $14,000 of pay, according to WPAFB. 

Meeker assumed command in July 2022 and was relieved Dec. 29, 2023. Following an investigation, he was charged Oct. 25, 2024. Meeker eventually elected his case to be decided by a military judge instead of a panel of court members. His trial lasted one day.

WPAFB noted Meeker was let go from command due to "loss of confidence," but the charges against him were for actions he took after he was relieved.

"Air Force prosecutors said Meeker fraternized by engaging in a personal and sexual relationship with a staff sergeant. He also disobeyed [Lt. Gen. Donna] Shipton’s direct order to discontinue all electronic and personal contact with the enlisted Airman by continuing the relationship," WPAFB stated in a release.