It was not clear how many of those military personnel had security clearances,
however. None of them have been charged with any crime at this point.
“Those who had security clearances, those have been suspended,” said
Pentagon spokesman George Little.
Six Secret Service agents have already left the service in the wake of the
scandal.
Hiring prostitutes, no matter the legal status where the act takes place, is
prohibited for US military personnel. Those convicted under the military
justice system can be imprisoned for up to a year and be discharged
dishonourably.
Prostitution is legal in “tolerance zones” in Colombia.
The incident embarrassed the United States and overshadowed Mr Obama’s
participation in the summit. It may be the worst scandal in modern times for
the Secret Service, tasked with protecting the US president and other senior
officials.
It was also a black eye for the military.
“We expect our people wherever they are to abide by the highest standards
of conduct,” Mr Panetta said.
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