RSAF lieutenant-colonel charged with trespassing into NTU dormitory, molesting 21-year-old; suspended from duties

SINGAPORE — A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) lieutenant-colonel was charged in court last Tuesday (Nov 15) with trespassing into a dormitory at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and molesting a woman.

Neo Aik Chiao, 45, faces three charges — two of criminal trespass and one of molestation. He has been suspended from military duties.

According to court documents, Neo allegedly trespassed into the dormitory rooms of an 18-year-old and a 21-year-old on Nov 13 this year at around 2am.

He also allegedly molested the 21-year-old, touching her left thigh. The alleged victims cannot be named as there is a gag order to protect their identities.

In response to queries, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) referred TODAY to its reply to earlier media queries, where it said that Neo has been suspended from all duties by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

"The SAF holds its service personnel to high standards of discipline and integrity," said Mindef.

"Service personnel who commit offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Those convicted of serious offences may be discharged from regular service."

It added that SAF and Mindef are unable to comment further as court proceedings are ongoing.

"We will carefully assess the eventual findings before deciding on further appropriate actions."

A spokesperson from NTU said the school's top priority is keeping its students safe, and that it takes trespassing "very seriously".

"The police were immediately called to the scene, and the university provided support to the affected students when the incident (allegedly) happened. Security patrols have been stepped up."

Neo's next court hearing is on Nov 29.

If found guilty of molestation, Neo could be jailed for up to two years, fined, caned, or punished with any combination of the three.

He also can be jailed for up to three months and fined up to S$1,500 if he is found guilty of criminal trespass.

A 2008 RSAF publication available online states that at the time, Neo had been piloting a Chinook helicopter.