Former Air Force Major General Loses Star Over Sexting Scandal

According to Military Times, retired U.S. Air Force, Maj. Gen. Christopher Finerty, who previously served as the Director of Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, has been demoted following revelations of multiple inappropriate relationships, including with enlisted personnel and congressional staffers. The Inspector General’s (IG) report, released in September 2023, details a pattern of behavior that violated military codes and compromised the integrity of the Air Force’s interactions with Congress.

The IG’s Findings

The Inspector General (IG) investigation into Major General Christopher Finerty uncovered multiple serious violations of military conduct and ethics. Concluded in September 2023, the report detailed a pattern of inappropriate behavior that ultimately led to his demotion. The IG determined that Finerty had violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), specifically concerning guidelines against “conduct unbecoming an officer,” by engaging in improper relationships with five women. His actions breached military regulations and damaged his professional standing and the reputation of the Air Force.

One of the most concerning findings was his fraternization with an enlisted airman. The investigation revealed that Finerty exchanged suggestive messages and engaged in cybersex with the airman on at least seven occasions. He also sent sexually explicit memes and a shirtless photo of himself while receiving “sexually intimate” images in return. This clear violation of the chain of command raised serious ethical and professional concerns.

Finerty defended his actions by stating that the relationship never became physical and described their interactions as “fantasy banter.” However, the IG concluded that such behavior damaged the public’s perception of the officer corps and eroded the respect enlisted personnel have for their superiors.

Additionally, Finerty carried on a three-month physical extramarital affair with a married Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employee. He later attempted to defend his actions by claiming he believed the woman was separated. However, evidence from text messages contradicted his claim, making it clear that he knowingly engaged in an inappropriate relationship.

Further misconduct involved three women working in Congress, all of whom had roles that directly affected Air Force policy. With one of these women, Finerty exchanged sexually explicit messages and pornographic images on an almost daily basis. He also had an intimate relationship with one of the congressional staffers. The IG report emphasized that mixing professional and personal relationships in this way created a perception of conflict of interest, which could have undermined the Air Force’s credibility on Capitol Hill.

The IG’s final assessment was damning. The report stated that Finerty’s conduct “fell well below the expectations of an Air Force general officer, disgraced him professionally, and compromised his standing as both an officer and a gentleman.” It also highlighted that his inappropriate relationships were widely known within his office, with some colleagues referring to them as “the worst kept secret in SAF/LL.” This behavior tarnished his reputation and also had the potential to create serious morale issues among those working under him.

Consequences and Demotion

As a result of the Inspector General‘s investigation into  Finerty’s misconduct, the Air Force imposed several serious consequences. The most significant was his demotion from major general (two-star) to brigadier general (one-star), which took effect upon his retirement in November 2024. This demotion came after an officer grade determination, a process the Air Force uses to assess whether an officer’s conduct justifies a reduction in rank before retirement.

Finerty had already stepped down from his role as the Air Force’s legislative liaison director in March 2023, not long after the initial IG complaint was filed. By November 2024, he officially retired, leaving the service under a cloud of professional disgrace.

The IG’s report was clear in its assessment, stating that Finerty’s behavior “fell well below the expectations of an Air Force general officer, disgraced him professionally, and compromised his standing as both an officer and a gentleman.”

Beyond the personal consequences, Finerty’s actions had a broader impact. Witnesses noted that his misconduct had the potential to damage trust between Congress and the Air Force, a particularly concerning issue given his role as a liaison. His inappropriate relationships and lack of professionalism undermined the credibility of the office tasked with fostering strong ties between military leadership and lawmakers.

The scandal also took a toll on office morale. Many within his workplace were aware of his misconduct, with some describing it as “the worst kept secret” in his department. This created a toxic environment that could have affected the performance and trust among his subordinates and colleagues. The severity of the response from the Air Force highlights how seriously the military takes ethical breaches, particularly from senior leaders in high-profile roles. His downfall is a warning that even those in powerful positions are not above accountability.

Moving Forward

In the aftermath of this incident, the Air Force must work diligently to restore its reputation, reinforce ethical conduct, and ensure that such breaches of trust do not recur. The demotion of a high-ranking officer like Finerty highlights the military’s commitment to accountability, regardless of rank or position.

As the Air Force moves forward, it is imperative to reflect on the lessons learned from this episode and to implement measures that reinforce the core values of integrity, service, and excellence that define the Air Force and the United States military as a whole.