U.S. defense chief Carter fires top aide Ron Lewis over alleged misconduct

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By BNO NEWS

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has fired Lieutenant General Ron Lewis, his senior military assistant, over allegations of misconduct.

“Today I made the decision to remove my Senior Military Assistant Lieutenant General Ron Lewis from his position after learning about allegations of misconduct,” the secretary said in a press statement. Carter provided no details about the nature and circumstances of the allegations, but the matter has been referred for further investigation.

“I directed that this matter be referred to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense for investigation. I have confidence in the Inspector General’s ability to determine the facts. The Department of the Army will then take action as appropriate,” Carter said. “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.”

Lewis became a two-star general at the end of January and was tapped as the secretary’s senior military assistant in February, just days after Carter was sworn in as new defense secretary. Lewis, who previously served as the Army’s chief of public affairs, has often worked with Carter in the past, as the two have been close for many years.

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