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In the pursuit of justice, sometimes those entrusted with upholding it commit egregious acts that undermine the very principles they are meant to safeguard. Such is the case with Captain Melissa B Lopes, whose conduct during the legal proceedings against Captain Juan Gale has raised serious concerns about her integrity and ethics that have impacted the case since its inception.
During her first case as a Prosecutor, Captain Lopes served as a legal advisor for the 552d Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, where she played a pivotal role in the ongoing legal proceedings against Captain Gale for the first two years. However, her tenure came to an abrupt end in May 2023 following a court hearing that raised serious concerns about her conduct. Allegations of potential prosecutorial misconduct, witness intimidation, and evidence suppression tarnished her reputation and cast doubt on the integrity of the legal proceedings she was involved in.
During a pre-court-martial Motions hearing in May 2023, Captain Lopes was dismissed from the the case after it was proven that she engaged in malicious prosecution and manipulative behavior. Multiple witnesses have come forward, alleging that Captain Lopes tried to intimidate them into providing negative statements against Captain Gale, demonstrating a blatant disregard for due process and fairness.
One such individual, Lisa Scheffler who is a private US citizen, recounts her disturbing experience with Captain Lopes. After writing a character reference letter on behalf of Captain Gale, Captain Lopes and another officer questioned Scheffler about her relationship with Captain Gale, insinuating inappropriate conduct and attempting to coerce incriminating information. Despite Scheffler's consistent protestations, Captain Lopes relentlessly persisted, going so far as to issue a subpoena under false pretenses. This action was later dismissed by Judge Thomas Smith, who admitted to never signing the subpoena, only after Scheffler was forced to hire private legal counsel because she felt threatened by Lopes' tactics.
In another account from a casual student 1st Lieutenant who worked alongside Gale at Tinker Air Force Base, this airman describes the overt intimidation he felt when being questioned by Lopes. "My first thought was, 'Why would she be interviewing me - someone who has only worked with Captain Gale for a few months?'". Although he felt uncomfortable, this new airman proceeded with the interview because he felt that it was “in his best interest”.
This airman, who requested to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal, went on to state that in his two interviews with Lopes, he felt that the questions being asked were more based on his views of Gale's character, rather than Gale's work as an Officer. "Lopes' intent was to learn what people didn't like about him (Captain Gale) and to dig up dirt, rather than seeking evidence that could exonerate Gale," he said.
Lopes' disregard for the law was further apparent in her second interview with the individual, when she and Captain Douglas Yee questioned the individual on his discussion with Juan Gale's Airmen Defense Counsel (ADC) and had him write down questions he'd been asked by the ADC. It would seem that Captain Lopes became so desperate to get the answers she wanted, that she was willing to manipulate this witness into giving the prosecution the playbook of the defense, which would seem more in the area of discovery violations, not “litigation gamesmanship”.
Litigation is not a game. It is the time - honored method of seeking the truth, finding the truth, and doing justice. When a corporation and its counsel refuse to produce directly relevant information an opposing party is entitled to receive, they have abandoned these basic principles in favor of their own interests. "The little voice in every attorney’s conscience that murmurs turn over all material information was ignored.”
This airman ended his statement by saying he finds it concerning that he needs to be worried about repercussions that could result from him speaking up about his experience with Lopes in this case, further highlighting the frequently occurring issue of fear of reprisal and intimidation at Tinker AFB and the specifically the 552d ACW.
These are just a few instances where Captain Lopes abused her authority and engaged in unethical behavior to further her agenda. Her actions not only violated the rights of individuals involved but also tarnished the reputation of the military judicial system.
Despite being dismissed from her role at the 552d Air Control Wing, Captain Lopes has since resurfaced at the 502nd Installation Support Group / Judge Advocate at Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, Texas. In her new position, she serves as the lead prosecutor and legal assistant advisor to all leadership at the 502nd Air Base, advising on whom to prosecute across the entire base. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of legal proceedings under her influence and poses a significant risk to the lives and careers of hundreds within the Air Force.
Melissa Lopes poses a significant risk to the Air Force and its personnel, with the potential to cause unjust harm akin to what Juan Gale endured. Holding Captain Melissa B Lopes accountable for her actions is crucial, necessitating a thorough investigation into the abuse of authority and misconduct during Captain Juan Gale's legal proceedings. The integrity of the military justice system hinges on YOU, the reader, to hold individuals such as Captain Melissa Lopes accountable. You see, there was no floor to the depth of Captain Lopes unethical tactics. Fortunately for us readers, there is no ceiling to exposing the truth.
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