Newtown-based Watchdog Group Calls For

Action In Navy Rape Allegation

By John Voket

A Newtown-based victims’ rights organization that focuses on military-related domestic violence cases is calling for a high profile college quarterback to be removed from his Naval Academy dormitory following an allegation that he raped a fellow midshipman.

The Baltimore Sun reported February 23 that Lamar S. Owens, Jr, 22, a senior midshipman, was charged with rape, indecent assault, and conduct unbecoming an officer Wednesday following an inquiry by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, academy officials said in charging documents.

The female midshipman alleged that she was raped January 29 in her room in Bancroft Hall, the sprawling dormitory in Annapolis that houses all 4,000 midshipmen, according to the charging documents.

The academy’s handling of the case was criticized yesterday by the Miles Foundation, a victim advocacy organization that tracks rape and other instances of violence against women in the military. Anita Sanchez, spokeswoman for the Newtown-based foundation, said the academy should not allow Mr Owens to remain in Bancroft Hall.

“It poses some real concerns about the safety of the victim as well as her ability to deal with this trauma,” Ms Sanchez said.

According to its website, The Miles Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization providing comprehensive services to victims of violence associated with the military. The organization provides support services including furnishing professional education and training to civilian community-based service providers and military personnel; conducting research; serving as a resource center for policymakers, advocates, journalists, scholars, researchers, and students; and serving to ensure that public policy is well-informed and constructive.

The foundation is responsible for the development of a coalition of organizations throughout the country and abroad fostering administrative and legislative initiatives to improve the military response.

The accused is a star quarterback who led Navy’s football team to a college bowl game victory last season.

The Sun report noted that the case reopens an old wound for the academy, which, along with the US Military Academy, was criticized by a Pentagon task force last summer for failing to make adequate progress in correcting a culture that was considered hostile to women. At least three midshipmen have resigned or been expelled as a result of rape investigations since Vice Adm Rodney P. Rempt became superintendent in 2003.

In Mr Owens’ case, the academy has brought charges against perhaps its best-known athlete, someone who personifies the revival of Navy football. After the NCIS investigation, Vice Adm Rempt decided to formally charge Mr Owens and conduct an Article 32 hearing, military law’s equivalent of a grand jury proceeding.

“The superintendent has made constantly clear to all of our staff and midshipmen that the Navy does not tolerate sexual harassment or assault,” said Cmdr Rod Gibbons, an academy spokesman.

According to charging documents, Mr Owens is charged with rape, conduct unbecoming an officer, and indecent assault.

“Any time an alleged event like this occurs, it is a blow to the brigade and the entire academy family,” Cmdr Gibbons said.

Mr Owens has been allowed to remain at Bancroft Hall. Cmdr Gibbons declined to comment on the academy’s decision not to remove the accused from Bancroft Hall or on how the academy was keeping him and the woman separate. He also said Mr Owens would not be available for comment.

After Mr Owens’ Article 32 hearing — a pretrial investigation by a military officer to determine whether evidence is sufficient to prosecute the case — Vice Adm Rempt can impose an administrative punishment, order a general court-martial, or take no action, The Sun reported. No date has been set for the hearing.

The maximum penalty for rape in a general court-martial is life in prison, but most rape cases in the military do not reach that stage, victim advocacy groups say.

The Miles Foundation and its partners drafted Improving the US Armed Forces Response to Violence Against Women: Recommendations for Change. A copy of the recommendations may be obtained by contacting the foundation’s office at 270-7861 or Milesfdn@aol.com.