Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam Meredith, who was accused of raping a woman in her home in Fort Walton Beach in December, has been released from jail on bond to await trial.
Meredith, 34, is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 96th Civil Engineering Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base.
He posted $350,000 bond late last month and was returned to active duty, according to Eglin public affairs. He currently is on leave.
Meredith was arrested Dec. 2, 2012, and charged with sexual battery and breaking into a home.
According to his arrest report, he broke into the woman’s home and found her sleeping in bed. He sexually battered her three times at knife point, the report said.
Before leaving, he told the woman not to turn on the lights or he would return and hurt her child.
After he left, she locked the door and he tried to re-enter, the report said.
Meredith’s wallet containing his Florida driver license and military identification was found next to the woman’s bed, according to the report.
Police found him shortly after the incident and arrested him.
The woman said she did not know Meredith, according to his arrest report and court records.
Meredith applied in December to have his bond reduced, but was denied after a hearing in February.
Maj. Eric Queddeng, commander of Meredith’s squadron, said in a letter submitted for the bond hearing that Meredith’s absence from duty had not and would not negatively impact the Air Force’s mission.
He said Meredith’s security clearance had been suspended since he was jailed.
His Air Force pay and benefits were suspended during his nearly four months in jail, according to Eglin public affairs.
If Meredith was released, Queddeng said in his letter for the bond hearing that he would be assigned to administrative duties pending resolution of the case.
While awaiting trial, Meredith will be required to report in person or by telephone to Okaloosa County Pretrial Services each Wednesday morning.
He is not allowed to have any contact with the victim or any witnesses, nor to be within 500 feet of the victim’s home. He will wear a GPS monitor, according to court records.
Meredith has been stationed at Eglin since October 2005 and lives in Fort Walton Beach with his wife and daughter.
Destin attorney Donald Witmyer, a former Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal diver and Air Force officer, is representing Meredith.
His jury trial is set for April 22.