A federal jury has convicted Austin Michael Burak, a 32-year-old man formerly stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on charges related to the sexual abuse of two children. The verdict was delivered following a four-day trial in the Southern District of Georgia, according to Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Burak, now residing in Oak Harbor, Washington, was found guilty of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, or Attempt, and Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, or Attempt. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker, concluded on May 15, 2025.
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“We are committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we will strive to keep our children and our communities safe.”
Courtroom testimony revealed that in August of 2017, Burak sexually abused a nine-year-old child by fondling the child’s genitals. On the same night, he anally raped a thirteen-year-old child.
Burak is currently awaiting sentencing, which will occur after the U.S. Probation Services completes a presentence investigation.
Law enforcement officials involved in the case underscored their dedication to pursuing such crimes. “This sends a clear message: Army CID and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate these heinous acts,” said Special Agent in Charge Michele Starostka of the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Western Field Office.
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“We are committed to aggressively investigating all crimes, establishing the facts, and supporting the legal process against those responsible.”
Echoing this sentiment, FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stated, “No child should have to experience this heinous abuse. The FBI is committed to tracking down and holding accountable people like Burak who prey on children. We will ensure that criminals engaged in this depraved conduct are held accountable in a court of law.”
The investigation was a joint effort by the Army Criminal Investigation Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Sherri A. Stephan and Michael Z. Spitulnik from the Southern District of Georgia prosecuted the case for the United States.
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