The US Air Force has brought charges against an officer understood to be the London embassy worker accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, who left Britain before British police questioned him.

The officer is understood to be Lieutenant Colonel Michael Morris, who worked as an assistant military attaché at the US embassy in south-west London. The Air Force confirmed that charges had been brought against him, but whether he will face a court-martial remains to be decided.

Morris was questioned by American authorities after investigators alleged that his US-based brother, Benjamin Morris, had shared child abuse material with him. Benjamin Morris, 33, faces trial in Illinois for possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material. He denies the charges. Rock Island County State Attorney Dora Villareal said those allegations concern a period between March and April 2026.

Lieutenant Colonel Morris left the UK on a civilian flight in August without first being questioned by British police. Although not a diplomat, he is understood to have had diplomatic protection. In September, the embassy confirmed that the staff member had been reassigned to the US while inquiries continued.

The Air Force said Morris was now assigned to the Air Force District of Washington. A military hearing was due to take place in November at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington DC. He will enter a plea only if the case is referred to a court-martial, a formal military criminal trial.

“The charges and evidence will be reviewed to determine whether the case should be tried by court-martial,” an Air Force spokesperson said. The service stressed that charges were allegations and that Morris was presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The embassy said it took the allegations seriously, had quickly informed UK law enforcement and had taken swift action. The Metropolitan Police said US authorities notified it on Tuesday, 25 August, and that regular liaison had continued. It remains in contact over the ongoing US proceedings.

The UK government said foreign diplomats were expected to obey British law, but would not comment further while the US investigation continued. It is understood to remain in close contact with the embassy, including at ministerial level. Whether the military proceedings will result in a trial is still unresolved.