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SALT LAKE CITY — A former Syracuse city councilman admitted in federal court that he inappropriately touched another man at a Hill Air Base Force gym.
Douglas J. Hammond, 68, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery Monday in U.S. District Court. The offense is punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Hammond, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, went to the base's Hess Fitness Center on Dec. 10, 2009, to exercise and use the steam room. The steam room requires patrons to wear swim trunks, shorts or a towel. Hammond admitted to, according to his plea agreement, entering the room naked and sitting down next to a young man wearing a towel.
After a moment, Hammond reached under the towel and touched the man's genitals.
"The young man immediately got up and left the steam room. I acknowledge that the conduct would cause affront or alarm and that my conduct was against his will," according to Hammond's statement.
E-mail:dromboy@ksl.com
