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View Full Version : Marines lambast sex shame soldier - criminal behaviour 'not tolerated'



thedrifter
08-24-07, 09:15 AM
Published Date: 24 August 2007
Source: Journal Friday DER Edition
Location: Derry

Marines lambast sex shame soldier - criminal behaviour 'not tolerated'

By Staff reporter

The United States Marines Corps has lambasted the behaviour of a top ranking soldier, who was convicted of a string of sex offences committed at a luxury Derry hotel.
Lieutenant Colonel Curtis L. Hill told the ‘Journal’ that the Marines took a dim view of criminal conduct “at home or abroad” and added that the perpetrator of the sexual assaults, Captain Johnathan Lee, had been dismissed from the service and sentenced to three years confinement.

Cpt. Lee was convicted of sexually assaulting two corporals during an educational visit to the Beech Hill Country House and Hotel in 2004 following a drinking session.

During an appeal, the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals heard that Cpt. Lee assaulted a coporal as they shared a jacuzzi, while a sergeant awoke to find Lee “stroking” him after he had passed out from the effects of alcohol.

During the weekend visit, a second corporal who had returned to the hotel with a woman, claimed Cpt. Lee was rubbing his chest and the lining of his boxer shorts as he lay in bed alongside the woman.

On Wednesday, a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Hill, II Marine Expeditionary Force, said: “Captain Johnathan Lee was convicted of several offences at a General Court Martial and subsequently sentenced by the convening authority to confinement for three years, dismissal from the service, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.

“Criminal conduct is not tolerated by our Marines either here in the United States or abroad.

“We vigorously investigate allegations and prosecute offenders when the evidence
substantiates the allegations.”

He added that he was unaware if the annual educational visits by the Marines to the Beech Hill Country House and Hotel - which served as the Marines HQ during WWII - would continue.

Meanwhile a spokesperson for the hotel refused to comment on whether or not the Marines would be allowed back on the premises in the future, saying only that management was “unaware of the incident” until recent press publicity.

Cpt. Lee has appealed against the convictions and his lawyer has urged two Derry women who were in the hotel rooms with the Marines at the time to come forward with information.

A private investigator has failed to identify the women and Lee’s lawyers claim they have not come forward because they do not want their families to know they were present.

Cpt. Lee’s lawyer, Brent Harvey, says it could be years before the appeal is heard by the US Armed Forces Appeal Court.
Last Updated: 23 August 2007 5:23 PM

Ellie