James Grazioplene

James Joseph Grazioplene (born July 19, 1949) is a former general officer in the United States Army and convicted sex offender. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, he was commissioned into the Army and rose to the rank of major general before retiring in January 2005. After an Army investigation that began in 2015 resulted in him being charged with incest and multiple counts of raping a minor, a decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces imposed a five-year statute of limitations on rape, and caused the case to be dismissed. In December 2018, he was charged by prosecutors in Prince William County, Virginia. The judge denied Grazioplene bail and ruled that he would remain in jail until he either affirmatively proved his innocence or pled guilty, at which point he would be transferred from jail to the Commonwealth prison system. After his conviction, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin changed Grazioplene's retired grade from major general to second lieutenant, determining that "second lieutenant was the highest grade in which he served on active duty satisfactorily,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

Early life and education Grazioplene was born in Batavia, New York, and attended Notre Dame High School.

In 1967, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy from Congressman Barber Conable. While at West Point, Grazioplene designed the class of 1971's crest, which adorns the class rings of all the cadets who graduated that year.

Military career Assignments In June 1971, Grazioplene was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Armor Branch of the United States Army. He served until January 2005, retiring at the rank of major general.

In 1984, he served as the commander of 3d Squadron, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment, which at the time was headquartered in Amberg, Germany.

After his conviction, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin changed Grazioplene's retired grade from major general to second lieutenant, determining that "second lieutenant was the highest grade in which he served on active duty satisfactorily,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson. James and Ann Marie Grazioplene remain married.