Commander who reversed conviction to retire

WASHINGTON (AP) — The commander whose decision to overturn a sexual assault conviction forced major changes in military law said Wednesday he is retiring, blaming public second-guessing of his actions as a distraction for the Air Force.

Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, who has served in the Air Force for 37 years, said after lengthy consideration and discussions with his family, he will leave the service at the end of the month. Franklin was widely criticized last year for reversing a jury’s ruling in a sexual assault case, and he cited potential challenges to his future decisions and the ramifications in announcing his retirement.