US Air Force officer flown from UK over abuse images allegations
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 04:28 · Archive
A senior US Air Force officer was flown out of the UK in August before being questioned by British police over allegations he possessed child sexual abuse material.
Lt Col Michael Morris, a lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force, worked as an assistant military attaché at the US Embassy in London. He was accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material after investigators alleged his US-based brother Benjamin Morris had shared such material with him. Benjamin Morris, 33, is facing trial in the US state of Illinois on charges relating to the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, which he denies.
According to the Rock Island County State Attorney, the allegations against Benjamin Morris relate to a period between March and April 2026. The case was sparked by an investigation into alleged child exploitation.
Lt Col Michael Morris was flown out of the UK in August on a civilian flight without first being questioned by British police. Although not a diplomat, he enjoyed the umbrella of diplomatic protection. In September, the US embassy confirmed that American authorities were investigating the allegations and had reassigned him to the US.
The US Air Force later confirmed that charges have been preferred against Lt Col Michael Morris, currently assigned to the Air Force District of Washington. According to the Evening Standard, the formal charges include possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, obstructing justice and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. He is facing a court-martial hearing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
The case has prompted renewed concerns at Westminster over the US authorities circumventing UK legal jurisdiction despite the alleged offences being committed on British soil.
How it is being reported
- US Air Force officer accused of possessing child abuse images was flown out of the UKA senior US Air Force officer was flown out of the UK before he could be questioned over allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse images, it has emerged.Sky News · 28 Oct, 04:14
- US embassy worker accused over child abuse images is senior air force officerThe removal of Lt Col Michael Morris has led to renewed concerns over the US authorities ignoring the UK’s legal jurisdiction.Evening Standard · 27 Oct, 21:46
- Worker at US embassy in London investigated over abuse images is senior Air Force memberThe BBC has been told Lt Col Michael Morris, who was flown out of the UK before being questioned by police, is under investigation.BBC News · 27 Oct, 17:45
In this story: Lt Col Michael Morris · Benjamin Morris · US Air Force · US Embassy in London · Illinois · United Kingdom · Maryland
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
Comments (0)