Tarnishing His Record With Adultery: Military Connection

By Debbie Gregory.

There’s a reason why military law treats adultery as a criminal offense in cases where it brings discredit to the armed forces or undermines military order and discipline.

Brigadier General Anthony J. Tata, also known as Tony Tata served in the United States Army for twenty-eight years before retiring in 2009. Army inspectors concluded the retired general who headed North Carolina’s largest school district and the state transportation agency had adulterous affairs before retiring from the military.

The Army’s Office of Inspector General concluded that Tata had “at least two” extramarital affairs in 1985 and 1992.

Tata used his military credentials to secure the job of Wake County school superintendent and state transportation secretary. Tata is also an author of action thrillers, commonly referred to as the “Threat” series. Titles include Sudden Threat, Rogue Threat, Hidden Threat and Mortal Threat. He writes under the name A.J. Tata and promotes his books with frequent commentary on Fox News, CNN and other media outlets.

Citing the stresses of his day job, the success of his side career as a writer of military action thrillers and the demands of his family, Tata resigned abruptly as head of the state transportation department in July, saying he wanted to focus on his family and book career.

Tata says he retired honorably with the highest noncombat award, the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal, that the Army can award. He stated that the award wouldn’t have happened if his record included marks against his character.

The 55 year old Tata has a daughter and a son. He lives in Cary, North Carolina with his third wife, Jodi.

Army leaders chose not to penalize Tata for adultery, a charge that he has not denied.

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