Fort Hood sergeant accused of leading prostitution ring with cash-strapped female soldiers

FORT HOOD, Texas -- A female private has accused a sexual assault prevention officer at Fort Hood of recruiting her to join a prostitution ring.

A hearing was underway Tuesday to determine whether Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen will face a military court-martial on more than 21 criminal charges that include pandering, adultery and sexual assault. McQueen is accused of recruiting cash-strapped female soldiers.

CBS affiliate KWTX reports that the female private testified that McQueen recruited her and detailed encounters in which she had sex with other soldiers. The witness said she was approached by McQueen when she was 20 years old and was having problems paying her student loans and buying food for her 3-year-old child.

The station reports that the witness testified that she and McQueen had sex at her home in 2013.

Fort Hood spokesman Tyler Broadway says the woman's name was withheld by the Central Texas army base "to protect the victim."

Another Fort Hood soldier has already been demoted and reprimanded in the case for conspiring to patronize a prostitute and solicitation to commit adultery.

The private testified Tuesday that McQueen arranged for her to have sex with that soldier for $100.

According to KWTX, initial charges were filed in March against McQueen, who was under investigation for "abusive sexual contact" and other alleged misconduct.

The Army said at the time he had been suspended from all duties.