Japanese prosecutors have indicted U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard on charges of robbery and murder in connection with the death of 39-year-old Anna Yagi in Okinawa, according to Japanese media reports. Ballard, who is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, has denied the allegations.

Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that prosecutors filed the charges Sunday through the Naha District Public Prosecutors’ Office. Ballard is accused of strangling Yagi with a telephone cord at a hotel in Naha, Okinawa’s prefectural capital, and stealing a backpack containing a wallet. The Prosecutors’ Office was not available for comment outside business hours.

The indictment has intensified public anger over crimes involving American military personnel in Okinawa, where the U.S. maintains a substantial military presence. The case has prompted protests in Okinawa and Tokyo, along with condemnation from Japanese political leaders.

In response to the incident, U.S. military authorities imposed a curfew and an alcohol ban for American service members stationed in Okinawa. The restrictions come amid longstanding local concerns about the impact of the military presence on residents of the island chain, which lies near Taiwan and China.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force confirmed it was aware of Ballard’s indictment and said it would cooperate with Japanese authorities. “We recognize the seriousness of the charges and will continue to cooperate fully with Japanese authorities in their ongoing investigation as the legal process moves forward,” the military command said in a statement.

The case now proceeds through Japan’s criminal justice system. Ballard’s indictment represents a formal accusation, and the charges have not been established as proven in court.