U.S. Secret Service members protected in prostitution scandal

The military men implicated in the prostitution scandal won’t be criminally charged, NBC reports. The seven American soldiers and two marines involved in accusations received administrative punishment, and one airman received a letter of reprimand, for their part in a story that brought shame to the White House.

The agents were in Cartegena, Columbia to  provide security for an upcoming visit from President Obama for the Summit of the Americas. A military investigation ensued when Secret Service members were accused of taking prostitutes back to their hotel rooms. 

According to NBC, the scandal erupted when two of the men refused to pay full price for one of the woman’s services, prompting her to complain to local police in the hotel lobby.

Of the 12 members accused of consorting with prostitutes, two Navy sailors are still under investigation.