Coast Guard Academy Holds Hearing on Cadet Sex Abuse Allegations

The hearing will be on whether to court martial the cadet.

The Coast Guard Academy is conducting a hearing on Wednesday to determine how to handle the case of a cadet who is accused of sexually abusing another cadet at the academy in New London.

The cadet is accused of breaking into a female cadet's dorm room at the Chase Hall barracks in mid-September and touching her thigh when she was asleep.

The victim said during the hearing that she woke to find a hand on her upper left thight, kicked it away and saw the silhouette of the man who was running away.  She was able to identify him later, she said.

The hearing, underway in Hamilton Hall at the Academy, will determine whether the case should proceed, including whether there is enough evidence to warrant a court martial. It is open to the public.

When the defense team asked the victim what should happen to the accused cadet, she said he should be kicked out of the Coast Guard, have to register as a sex offender and be put in jail.

The hearing planned is similar to a civilian grand jury and no verdict or sentencing will be handed down during it. 

“These charges are accusations against the cadet, who is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a court martial. The Coast Guard is committed to providing all needed support to the victim, and to ensuring a full and fair proceeding in compliance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” Academy Assistant Superintendent, Capt. Eric C. Jones said in a statement.

 

Contact Us