A U.S. Army captain assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart is facing a General Court-Martial this week after pleading guilty to two counts of domestic violence involving a minor.
According to court records, CPT Lee T. Burk, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, is being tried at Fort Stewart from March 23 through March 26, 2026.
The charges fall under Article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on or about January 10, 2025, near Savannah, Georgia.
Charging documents state the victim is a female minor under the age of 16, identified as “Miss,” indicating the victim is a girl.
The first specification alleges that Burk assaulted the girl by strangulation, using his hands. The second alleges a separate act of violence in which he grabbed her by the neck.
Both charges fall under Article 128b, which covers domestic violence offenses involving family members. In this case, the victim is described as an immediate family member of the accused.
Court records show the case moved through the standard military justice process over several months, including arraignment in November 2025 and pretrial motions hearings earlier this month, before proceeding to trial this week.
Burk’s decision to plead guilty and elect a judge-alone trial may indicate an effort to mitigate potential sentencing, though the outcome remains in the hands of the military judge.
A graduate of The Citadel and an Army officer in the Chemical (CBRN) branch, Burk’s case highlights the Army’s continued struggle with serious misconduct within its officer ranks—particularly involving violence against vulnerable victims.
If convicted, he could face dismissal from the Army, total forfeiture of pay and allowances, and confinement.
The trial is ongoing, and no sentence has been announced at this time.
The Salty Soldier will continue following the case as it develops.
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