Coast Guard courts-martial members for hazing

PORTSMOUTH, Va. &ampmdash The Coast Guard, subsequent completion of its investigation into allegations of hazing aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Venturous, lately completed a collection of courts-martial and disciplinary actions based mostly on proof uncovered throughout the investigation.

The two-12 months Coast Guard investigation exposed that some former and current Coast Guard Cutter Venturous crew members engaged in clandestine hazing in the berthing regions of the ship among summer 2007 and winter season 2009. The investigation started right after two former crewmembers came forward with the allegations. The Venturous is house ported in St. Petersburg, Fla.

&ampldquoThe Coast Guard does not tolerate hazing of any sort,&amprdquo explained Vice Adm. Robert C. Parker, Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area and the closing action authority for the court-martial circumstances. &ampldquoEven the most junior Coast Guard member has the electrical power, appropriate, and obligation to say &amplsquono&amprsquo to hazing. One particular of the core values that defines us as public servants is respect — respect for our fellow citizens and respect for each and every other. Hazing is the antithesis of respect and will not be tolerated.&amprdquo

The 7 most culpable members ended up held accountable at courts-martial held beneath the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which gives criminal jurisdiction above members of the military, and a amount of other present and former crew members also received administrative action for their roles in the hazing. Furthermore, Parker released a concept to all Atlantic Location models that was disseminated during the Coast Guard plainly reiterating the Coast Guard&amprsquos robust policies versus hazing.

The adhering to trials have been carried out below the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which supplies criminal jurisdiction more than members of the military:

• Chief Kiel M. Johanson was found guilty at a contested general court-martial of maltreatment, abusive sexual speak to, indecent coverage and assault consummated by a battery on Jan. 28, 2011. As a outcome of the abusive sexual contact cost, Johanson is essential to register as a intercourse offender in any U.S. jurisdiction in which he resides, performs, or attends school. Johanson is being processed for separation from the Coast Guard.
• Seaman Apprentice Eric A. Michaels, at the moment assigned to Cutter Morgenthau in Alameda, Calif., was experimented with at a particular court-martial by a military decide on Nov. nine, 2010, exactly where he was found guilty of dereliction of duty, bogus official statements, assault, and disorderly perform. Michaels was sentenced to 5 months confinement and a undesirable perform discharge.
• Petty Officer 2nd Course Kristopher A. Colvin, now assigned to Marine Basic safety &amp Safety Staff Honolulu, was tried at a specific court-martial by a military decide Dec. 20, 2010, in which he was located guilty of dereliction of duty, maltreatment, fake official statements, assault, and disorderly conduct. Colvin was sentenced to reduction to pay-grade E-two and confinement for seventy five days.
• Petty Officer Second Course John M. Redwine, now assigned to Air Station Elizabeth Metropolis, N.C., was tried using by unique court-martial Might 9, 2011, in which he pled guilty to two counts of assault, and disorderly carry out. Redwine was sentenced to reduction to pay out-grade E-three.
• Petty Officer 2nd Course Nicholas Mackey, assigned to the Cutter Venturous, pled guilty at a summary court-martial March 31, 2011, and was sentenced to 60 days restriction reduction to pay out-grade E-four and forfeiture of two/three shell out for 1 thirty day period.
• Petty Officer Second Class John R. Dippery, presently assigned to Air Station Clearwater, Fla., pled guilty at a summary court-martial May possibly 24, 2011, and was sentenced to reduction to E-4, restriction to Cutter Venturous for two months, and forfeiture of $ one,486 for 1 thirty day period. Dippery was on legal hold pending the court-martial and will be processed for separation.

The UCMJ is a total set of criminal legal guidelines that addresses most crimes contained in civilian law in addition to other military-specific offenses such as failure to obey an purchase, desertion, and so forth. Added details about the UCMJ and the military justice method can be found at: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/mj/MJ_Doc/UCMJ12.pdf.

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