A former Air Force intelligence officer, Summer Heather Worden, has admitted to deceiving law enforcement by falsely accusing her ex-spouse, NASA astronaut Anne McClain, of committing a crime while in space.
Worden had previously alleged that McClain accessed her bank account without permission during her time aboard the International Space Station in 2019, a claim that, if true, would have marked an unprecedented crime occurring beyond Earth's atmosphere.
As reported by Western Journal, the U.S. District Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas clarified that Worden had initially opened the bank account in April 2018, and both she and McClain had access to it until January 2019, when Worden altered the login credentials.
The investigation further revealed that Worden had provided McClain with access to her bank records since at least 2015, including the necessary login information. Throughout the investigation, McClain consistently maintained her innocence, as noted by the New York Post.
The relationship between Worden and McClain, who married in 2014 and finalized their divorce in 2020, was fraught with legal battles. Worden filed for divorce in 2018 following an accusation of assault by McClain, a charge that was later dismissed. The pair also engaged in contentious divorce proceedings, particularly concerning the custody of their son, who was six years old at the time.
Both women have had notable careers. Worden served as an Air Force intelligence officer, while McClain is a West Point graduate with service in Iraq. She joined NASA in 2013 and recently served as a SpaceX mission commander. The investigation into Worden's allegations was conducted by the NASA Office of Inspector General, as confirmed by the District Attorneys office.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett has accepted Worden's guilty plea, with sentencing scheduled for February 12. Worden faces the possibility of up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
This case underscores the importance of truthfulness in legal proceedings, particularly when accusations involve high-profile individuals and extraordinary circumstances.
Login