A high-ranking United States Air Force officer stationed at the American embassy in London departed the country in August before British police could question him about allegations involving child sexual abuse material, according to BBC News. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Morris, who served as an assistant military attaché at the embassy in south-west London, was flown out on a civilian flight while remaining under the umbrella of diplomatic protection, though he held a non-diplomatic position.
The allegations against Lt Col Morris stem from an investigation into his brother, Benjamin Morris, 33, who is facing trial in Illinois. BBC News reports that investigators alleged Benjamin Morris shared child abuse material with his brother. Benjamin Morris has pleaded not guilty to 32 counts involving child sexual abuse material and demanded a jury trial, according to KCRG, and remains in custody without bond.
The Rock Island County State Attorney, Dora Villareal, told the BBC that the allegations against Benjamin Morris relate to a period spanning March and April 2026. Prosecutors allege the 32 counts include production and dissemination offences; KCRG reported that the case began after a volunteer group reported online communications with Morris to police. A detective testified that investigators used phone geolocation data and found dozens of images and videos on Morris's phone, with the FBI examining his devices, according to KWQC.
Benjamin Morris was the interim director of Quad City Arts and resigned on 6 July, according to local reporting. His Illinois case was scheduled for a pretrial hearing on 22 October, though available reporting does not establish whether it took place or what followed.
What charges does Lt Col Morris face?
The US Air Force confirmed in September that charges have been preferred against Lt Col Morris, who is currently assigned to the Air Force District of Washington. A spokesperson for the US Air Force stated to the BBC:
"The charges and evidence will be reviewed to determine whether the case should be tried by court-martial."
The Air Force emphasised that
"charges are merely allegations and the Department of the Air Force member is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty". A military hearing was scheduled to take place in November at Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC. Lt Col Morris will only enter a plea if the matter is referred to court-martial, a formal military criminal trial.
Why was he allowed to leave the UK?
Although Lt Col Morris did not hold formal diplomatic status, he enjoyed the protection afforded by his position at the embassy. He was flown out of the United Kingdom in August without first being questioned by British police, a departure that has raised questions about the handling of the case by both American and British authorities.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement:
"We have been liaising regularly with the US authorities since they made us aware on Tuesday, 25 August of their investigation into suspected offences relating to indecent images of children. We are aware that charges have been brought in the US in relation to this case and that legal proceedings are ongoing. We remain in contact with the US authorities."
This case reflects broader concerns about the prosecution of US military personnel for crimes committed on British soil. A US airman previously avoided British trial after indecent exposure allegations in Cambridgeshire were transferred to US military jurisdiction, prompting UK ministers and police chiefs to review why British forces have handed some serious crime cases involving US military personnel to American investigators and courts martial. The issue has drawn attention from senior government figures, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy raising concerns with the US government over a US fighter pilot tried by court martial for strangling a woman in Cambridge.
What have the US and UK governments said?
The US Embassy in London stated that it
"expects all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and we take these allegations seriously", adding it
"quickly informed UK law enforcement and took swift action".
A spokesperson for the UK government said:
"We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws, in the same way we expect all UK diplomats to do so when posted overseas. As a US investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage."The BBC understands the government remains in close contact with the US Embassy, including at a ministerial level.
Key Facts
- Lt Col Michael Morris served as an assistant military attaché at the US Embassy in London and was flown out of the UK in August before British police could question him
- His brother, Benjamin Morris, faces 32 counts involving child sexual abuse material in Illinois and has pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial
- Charges have been preferred against Lt Col Morris by the US Air Force, with a military hearing scheduled for November at Joint Base Andrews
- The case raises ongoing concerns about how crimes involving US military personnel on British soil are prosecuted and which jurisdiction has authority
