A former Air Force Intelligence officer, Summer Worden, don confess say she lie give law enforcement. She bin claim say ein ex-wife, wey be top NASA astronaut Anna McClain, commit di first crime for space.
Worden, wey be 50 years old, fit face up to five years for prison and fine wey reach $250,000 for di false allegation. She bin accuse McClain say she access ein bank account from di International Space Station (ISS) without permission.
According to prosecutors, Worden claim say McClain guess di password and illegally enter ein bank account for January 2019, time wey dem still marry and McClain dey on six-month mission for di ISS.
Di false claim cause investigation by di Federal Trade Commission and NASA’s Inspector General. Dem find out say Worden actually open di bank account for 2018, and both of dem bin dey access am until January 2019, when Worden change di password.
McClain don always say say she get access to Worden ein accounts with Worden ein full knowledge, to manage dia finance together. Investigators even find proof say Worden bin give McClain access to ein bank records since 2015.
Di case come out during bitter separation and parental dispute between di two women. Worden bin dey accuse McClain of child abuse, wey McClain deny. Worden later plead guilty to two counts of making false statements to federal investigators.
Di Implications of di Case
Dis case highlight di importance of truth and honesty, especially when e involve law enforcement and high-profile individuals like astronauts. False accusations fit get serious consequences, including legal penalties and damage to reputation.
NASA Response
NASA never officially comment on di case, but dem dey expected to review dia internal policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents in di future.
- Ensure clear communication and documentation of financial arrangements between astronauts and dia spouses.
- Provide additional training on ethical conduct and legal responsibilities.