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Petty Officer Convicted of Sex with Recruit, Lying to Coast Guard Investigators

Coast Guard | Wed, 09/23/2009 - 1:09 pm | Read 8704 | Commented 54 | Emailed 31
Tags: cape may, u.s. coast guard. court martial

By Jack Fichter

Petty Officer Second Class Franceso Thompson

CAPE MAY — Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Francesco Thompson, a company commander of recruits in boot camp here, pled guilty Sept. 23 to charges of having a consensual sexual relationship with a recruit, lying to investigators, encouraging a former recruit to lie to investigators and maltreatment of another recruit.
Thompson had been charged with violating 14 punitive Articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He entered the Coast Guard in 1998 and served as a company commander for three years.
After charges were brought forward, Thompson was removed as a company commander and transferred to the LORAN Unit in Diamond Beach.

The judge in Thompson's special court martial, Commander Catherine Weathers, sentenced him to 110 days confinement during which time his pay will be reduced by two-thirds. His rank will be reduced to E1, the Coast Guard's lowest rank, and he will receive a bad conduct discharge. If he had not participated in a pre-trial agreement, he faced five months confinement.
The Navy provided a team of two defense lawyers and two prosecution lawyers since the Coast Guard does not have a standing court. While Thompson pled guilty to a number of charges, he pled innocent to a charge of cruelty and maltreatment of another female recruit.

He admitted having sex with a female recruit beginning in December 2008 including two instances on the base, once in a classroom in Healey Hall and once in his office. In addition, he said the female recruit left the training center on Christmas Day as part of Operation Fireside and convinced her hosts to take her to Thompson’s house where they again had sex. She was still in basic training at the time.
Thompson was charged with having sexual relations with the recruit in a Coast Guard controlled workplace.
Judge Weathers reminded Thompson the behavior is prohibited by Coast Guard regulations. She said personal romantic relationships with recruits and graduates of the training center are prohibited.

Thompson told the judge he planned to pursue a relationship with the recruit after she graduated and he “justified” the activity in his mind. He said other company commanders on base had married former recruits.
Thompson said he was aware officers could not date recruits until 12 months after their graduation. He said he continued to date the recruit following her January graduation.
Thompson was also accused by another female recruit of making inappropriate sexual remarks.

Weathers said he lied to Coast Guard investigators telling them he did not speak with the recruit two days before Christmas.

“I panicked, I didn’t know what else to say,” said Thompson.

He was also charged with obstructing justice by inducing another female recruit, with whom he had sexual relations, to lie to investigators about their relationship. He broke off an engagement with the recruit one month before starting a sexual relationship with another female recruit.

Thompson signed a pre-trial agreement, which limited the amount of punishment. He contested a charge of cruelty-maltreatment brought by another female recruit.
She took the stand during the court martial. It involved basic training practices known as Incentive Training (IT) in which a recruit is ordered to do a number of push ups, crunches, squats or sit ups or other activities as punishment. The recruit said Thompson ordered her to “make love to the wall.”

She said the IT was also called “Spiderman” which involved a recruit standing with legs spread with knees touching a wall with one foot off the floor with both arms raised in the air until it caused pain.

Drill Master Nicholas Hernandez testified he told her to stop doing it when he saw her standing on the quarterdeck in that position. He said he did not use the term “make love to the wall,” when he ordered recruits to do that particular IT.
Hernandez said he learned it from Thompson and never saw it ordered in any other company.

The recruit said Thompson took a particular interest in her asking her personal questions and calling her “Sugar Spice,” after saying she looked like one of the members of the British pop group, the Spice Girls. She said she found a photo of the Spice Girls above her bed and Thompson told her to write on it “Goodnight Sugar Spice.”
Weathers said giving nicknames to recruits was outside standard operating procedures.

The recruit said Thompson asked her if British Soccer Star David Beckham “was her type.” Thompson bears a resemblance to Beckham.
The recruit said Thompson’s behavior made her uncomfortable. She said he pulled her aside and told her since she was good looking, she should be careful when she received her first assignment because men “would be calling dibs on her,” and she should be careful “not to become morale gear.”

Lead Defense Attorney Lt. Brandie Orton noted the recruit had a close friendship with the second female recruit with whom Thompson had a sexual relationship and did not mention the “Spiderman incident to investigators until February.

The second recruit was removed from officer training school when her relationship with Thompson was brought to light. In testimony, she said she was excited when she realized Thompson “liked her.” She said the relationship moved onto a “boyfriend-girlfriend,” sexual relationship.

The recruit said she learned of the investigation when she was pulled out of class at officer’s training school and questioned by Coast Guard investigators. She said she was very upset when Thompson hung up on her in February and said he should not talk to her.
The recruit said she still had feelings for Thompson.

Orton said the recruit has since time been ordered to end an inappropriate relationship with an ensign at her new location.

Two officers testified to Thompson’s good character when they served with him in California during the early part of this decade.

Thompson offered a statement before the judge deliberated. He said he was not in a “right state of mind,” after breaking up with the first recruit in November 2008.

“Never in a million years would I think I would do this,” he said.

Thompson said he wrongly justified the sexual relationship in his mind.

Prosecution lawyer Kismet Wunder said Thompson used his position as company commander to “degrade, humiliate and embarrass those under his charge.”
Wunder noted Thompson instructed recruits about avoiding inappropriate relationships. He said Thompson put “own needs above the Coast Guard” and lied to investigators. The investigators sat silently in the courtroom during the court martial.

Wunder said the incidents affected the image of the training center. He said parents who send their kids to the training center do not want them subject to maltreatment and “inappropriate relationships in dark classrooms in the middle of the night.”

Defense Attorney, Lt. Mark DeVry, of JAG Corps, U.S. Navy, complained the proceedings were open to the press and questioned why commanders were “hanging around outside with witnesses.”

“I think it is a love story,” said DeVry.

He said the incidents were consensual and the recruit was 23 years old with a college degree. DeVry said the two had a “genuine relationship.”

“She showed a proclivity to pursue relationships in the Coast Guard,” he said.

He said Thompson placed no pressure on the recruit or made any promises of a better Coast Guard career.

DeVry said the charges were not of the variety that deserved jail time or a bad discharge. He said in civilian life, having a sexual relationship with a coworker did not put a person in jail.

Wunder countered it was not a love story for the recruit who never received an apology from Thompson.

Thompson has the right to appeal the decision.
Following sentencing, Thompson was driven away in an SUV to a military brig in Norfolk, Va.

Capt. Cari Thomas, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, said Thompson’s behavior was inconsistent with the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty and Training Center Cape May's watchwords of character, courage and commitment.

“It violates our service's Guardian Ethos which calls for all Coast Guard members to protect, defend and save the public and each other,” she said.

Thomas said the training center takes all allegations of misconduct seriously.

“We have a strict set of guidelines for the conduct of recruit training and we will thoroughly investigate any alleged infraction of these protocols. Recruit training is our primary mission and we take that very seriously. This incident, although the isolated acts of one individual, resulted in a review of our protocols, selection, training and supervision.”

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Mon, 10/12/2009 - 11:57pm - Posted by: OS3TT

He is a good man and Deserved our support and empathy. It hurts my heart to see this happen to such a good man. I wish there was something we could do.

Mon, 10/12/2009 - 11:45pm - Posted by: OS3TT

I am a former Female recruit of Thompsons and Let me say first that I in no way shape or form had it easy in boot. I probably got IT'd more than any one else in my company! Alot by Thompson but in NO way was he ever degrating or disrespectful. This man take alot of pride in his career I dont think I have ever met a man that loved the coast guard so much. If he chose to carry a relationship with a recruit it most definitly had to be a true love story. He is the most by the book man I have ever met. There are alot worst things that go on in basic than that. they were two adults that made a choice. should there be punishment yes the brigg and discharege NO. I know people that have gotten in accidents injuring people that didnt get punished like that. I know people sleeping with chiefs in A-school that didnt get punished like that I know people that got caught using drugs that didn't get punished like this. Had I heard of this story previously I surely would have stood by his side. He is a GOOD man and a GREAT Coastie, his discharge is a loss for the Coast Guard. As hard as I was "trained" I can say I would have not made it through with out PO Thompson. Funny thing is I don't think anyone It'd me more or supported me more. He has a great Balance. He made a mistake, that should not result in the ruin of his career.

hardfortheguard69,Butterflyski and allother bashing Thompson dont believe r\everything your and hear, If you don't know the man be quiet have some integrity. bulldog_6 you are a disgrace to the country I fell for any one that had to stand by the side of a man that can turn coat on one of his own just from an article. Where is the love for a brother?

Wed, 09/30/2009 - 1:51am - Posted by: wwjd

Rules were broken, I completely understand that. But does he honestly deserve going to jail for this? I personally don't think so.

As I'm reading these comments, I find it so sad how quick we are to judge. None of us know exactly what happened and even if we did, who are we to judge him? He made a bad choice, I'm guilty of that. We all are guilty of that. Let's keep that in mind. ("And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3)

Blessings to the Thompson family and to you all.

Tue, 09/29/2009 - 10:16pm - Posted by: sardog

It's sad to see a hero go down like this. If they both broke the rules they should both be punished but I don't think sending him to the brig will fix anything. He was my CC and he made sure I graduated basic trainning as well as a few others that wanted to quit half way through. He was devoted to his job and he was good at it too. How many Coasties are married to each other?? How do you think they met?? Most of them meet in basic or in A school. I don't think he's a bad man. It's not like if he abused the girl. My thoughts go out to Cesco and his family.

Tue, 09/29/2009 - 1:38pm - Posted by: DuckSCrubbing101

Whos a Disgusting Echo 1 now? This guy was HARD for the Guard, so hard he couldnt keep that raging boner in his pants. But he was allways muggin around the Female Squad Bays. Standing outside the showers listening in, scarring the shit outta of them when they walked out. D-BAG is what he was. He did have a lot of pride in his duties but this guy was a Lunatic none the less. He was pretty funny though. I liked the guy personally he pushed me to the limits made me a stronger person. Sucks to see he ended like this im pretty sure he was coming up on his transfer too bad it was to the Brig.

Tue, 09/29/2009 - 12:02am - Posted by: fourstringpoppa

AMT2 Thompson, or SR Thompson now, is a product of the system; clearly. I went through boot camp 2.5 years ago and back then he was in charge of the drill team. I am an E-5 now. Unless you've been through a boot camp facility, you have no right to post about this article. The picture that they posted of him for this article is terrible; the pained look on his face is undeserved. Was he wrong? Absolutely. But so was the CO of CGC Morgenthau who got caught using cocaine while in command of a 378' WHEC, what happened to him? Forced retirement. Must be great when you're caught up in the officer BJ fest that the CG promotes. Another fine enlisted man goes down for a set of seemingly, but understandable bad choices. BTW I am counting down the days til i get out of this awful, poorly organized, underfunded, watered down (pun intended) version of the military. I got back from a week patrol a month ago where we did nothing but fish for 6 days straight, but somehow that decision by an LT is justified and not questioned by anyone. CALL YOUR RECRUITER NOW and say you changed your mind before its too late, join a real branch of the service whose uniforms don't make you look like a WalMart Auto-Center employee. P.S. To all you hard for the guard people (mostly BM's and all Mustangs) that are gonna post in response to this; don't bother. Spend that time encouraging your Junior Enlisted to pursue college and get real jobs.

Sun, 09/27/2009 - 2:14am - Posted by: AKCC

I served as a CC and we have an oath that he broke clean. I worked with PO Thompson , the bottom line is the CC cover has power and I have seen it used in many applications. She was a recruit and any one who said she was not influenced by him being the CC you’re a fool, I like PO Thompson but he knows the rules, it’s forced on you through CC School for a month and he f-up, I hope things work for him in the future and he learns from this. But don’t feel sorry for his actions.

Sun, 09/27/2009 - 1:07am - Posted by: Old Coastie

It does not matter that their relationship and their sexual encounters were consensual!

The Coast Guard prohibits relationships between training center instructors (company commanders) and students (recruits). PO Thompson knowingly disregarded that prohibition and did so more than once.

As the higher ranking person who was also in a position that afforded him control of the situation he had an obligation to the service not to allow an interpersonal relationship to begin regardless of advances that might have been made towards him.

Do I think that he should have been sent to the brig? No, I don't believe that brig time was necessary given the offenses. I view awarding brig time as a message to others that this behavior will not be tolerated. The training center's need to deliver a message like this makes me wonder how many more relationships such as this one are happening now.

Do I think that PO Thompson's discharge was appropriate? Yes I do! He blatantly disregarded his duty to follow Coast Guard regulation and his behavior was dishonorable bring discredit to the service.

Sat, 09/26/2009 - 10:39pm - Posted by: Lily314

Clearly no one understands that he DIDNT use his power to get what he wanted. Did anyone think that it takes TWO people to be in a realtionship and for it to be CONSENSUAL! The press is going to cover only certain things....its not the whole story. No one else got punishment in this case?? Seems to me that the CG is sexist! They are not playing fair! And they definitely didnt play fair in this case! Im sooo sure that this was not the first time that this happened in the CG or any branch and it certainly wont be the last! The difference is they found out about the relationship and now they have made an example of him. This is horrible and shameful to do to a dedicated induividual who gave 11 years to the CG. Did he really have to go to the brig for 110 days?? NO! Where are their morals? We are only human....

Sat, 09/26/2009 - 6:00pm - Posted by: Old Coastie

As a retired Coast Guardsman I am appalled by PO Thompson's clear abuse of his positional power over not one but several recruits. PO Thompson was in a position of power and clearly used that position to his advantage several times. This was clearly not an isolated incident between two consenting adults; it was a trend of deviant behavior.

I am also appalled by the statements made by LT DeVry. I am left wondering whether he truly believed what he was saying or was he just playing what he thought was his role as a defense attorney. Perhaps his judgment in this matter is tainted by a core difference between Coast Guard and Navy values.

It is clear to me that Petty Officer Thompson's behavior was not that of a genuine relationship. To add to LT DeVry's insult to the Coast Guard it appears he even attempted defend PO Thompson by discrediting the recruit alleging wonton behavior. In this situation the recruits behavior or consent was immaterial to the charges. What disgraceful behavior for a Naval Officer to engage in under the disguise of defending his client.

As a final note I must say that I am personally embarrassed by what has happened at Training Center Cape May. I have been a member of the Coast Guard long enough to have been a member of the first mixed Recruit Companies. There must have been a lot of pressure on the leadership of the training Center then to ensure that incidents such as this did not occur. While we must hold PO Thompson accountable for his actions I can't help but wonder what environment has developed at the Training Center that allowed his behavior to flourish. There were peers who knew, why didn't they take action sooner?

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 10:41pm - Posted by: steponceagain

I just last week got out of TRACEN Cape May. The entire time we were there they told us "If it's in blue, it's not for you". We continuously went over the rules and regulations, and inappropriate relationships were definitely covered. It is even stated in the Helmsman that EVERY recruit is issued, that there should be NO inappropriate relationships. CC and recruit would constitute a VERY inappropriate relationship. Both parties were at fault. Both (or all) parties involved should be equally punished for the violations of the core values.

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 9:16pm - Posted by: bulldog_6

lola1998-

To use your tactic-
"I'm sorry, but are we sending boys and girls to summer camp? Hmmm I didn't think so..."

No, but from what has been presented by the courts, we as taxpayers have been sending (according to the USA and you) adults to USCG recruit training, who were acting like kids.

The kid, parent, part of my comment was supposed to be rhetorical, which everyone understood but you.

Hypothetically now- How would you feel if you knew someone that acted the way this subject did, was in your husband's unit, Would you trust them to cover your husband in all situations? See his panicked quote before you make your decision. Panicked, and he wasn't even in combat. Is that the guy you want out on patrol with your husband?

Please dont answer, it was just to provoke thought.

I can not speak for your husband, but I can almost guarantee your Husband will not stand for someone like that to be training his troops when he makes 0-2/3 and above.

ABN ATW

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 6:55pm - Posted by: TWCS

I was a recruit in one of his companies a few years ago and it is sad to see this happen to him. I agree it was in poor judgement for him to sleep with a recruit, and definitely not wise to lie to investigators about it. Yet I can't help feeling like justice has not been served, the man really seemed to love the Coast Guard and was very dedicated to his job. Someone said they were mistreated because they had to stand on one foot facing a wall and were told to "make love to the wall"....seriously??? It's boot camp!! If that was the worst thing they went though in boot camp they got off easy. PO Thompson was tough on all of us, and you know what it made us stronger and when we left Cape May we all had nothing but respect for him. He did not seek out females in my company and harass or make them do anything he didn't make all of us do. I wish him nothing but the best in the future and hope he and his family can put all this behind them.

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 2:51pm - Posted by: pf12

Hey everyone, I am Francesco's older sister and let me tell you all (as many of you already know) that this was a clear case of making my brother an example! Of course he should not have slept with a recruit, BUT it was consentual, and yes he was engaged with one of the girls. This has put my brother, who has dedicated his life to the Guard since he was 17, and our family through hell! Please do not write things on here that are not true. If you are not close to him, or were not there, then you just don't know! And let me tell you this, one of the recruits did not learn her lesson! After she slept with my brother, while the investigation was still going on, she slept with an Officer! Go figure!

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 12:26pm - Posted by: rsm

Let me say this one more time...she WAS punished. She was masted in July. She had asked for the same punishment as her Company Commander because she admitted she was just as much in the wrong as he was. She also asked to take his place in confinement. Also note this: none of the recruits that had to testify at the Court Martial wanted to be there. They all thought very highly of their Company Commander and if it weren't for a certain annonymous recruit from their company he could be continuing his career and life.

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 12:14pm - Posted by: Vader

We all agree he was wrong Wonderbus but SHE PUT HERSELF in that position!!!! Just as Lola1998 said, if she felt uncomfortable, she could have opened her mouth and spoke up. Aparently, she felt real comfortable............on his couch.

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 11:24am - Posted by: wonderbus

Let me make this clear....this recruit that everyone talks about was NEVER engaged to the Company Commander. He was engaged with another recruit from a differant company that he also was her Company Commander. They had recently broken off the engagement but while he was carrying on with one and broken with another he was still with the first one. Strange as it seems, it makes you wonder how many other former recruits he had also done this with. No we will never know how many there actually were but it certainly makes you wonder what his motivations were for all of this. Did he not have control over his sexual urges for the 7 weeks they are under his care?

He ruined his own career plain and simple, he abused his power, he abused his recruits.

I wish him nothing but the best after his time is done but rest assured he will never have another recruit to do this to.

Sex is sex., this recruit should have never been put in this postion in the first place

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 10:42am - Posted by: lola1998

I have a couple more comments I wanted to make after reading some of the previous comments...

Butterflyski
Let me give you a pat in the back for being alive for 19 years and serving 2 years in the service. Let me tell you a little about myself...I was in for 8 years and am married to a husband that has been in for 15 years currently serving overseas for his 4th tour. I will enlisting once again as an officer upon his return. I'm not trying to say who's better then the other person, but more like I have more experience being a woman, a soldier and a military wife. Having said that...going in the military no matter what branch, you know what's right and wrong as far as being a human and someone in the military. You can't sit there and say she was innocent. She knew that if she felt uncomfortable, all she had to do is speak up. She kept her mouth shut not because she was afraid, but because she apparently loved him enough to want to marry him. I'm sure that in your short 2 years in, you have plenty of classes that train you up on how to handle situations like this. Like I said in a previous post...IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE! They were both wrong yet only one got punished...

mystella
Thank you for pointing out a very interesting fact. Did President Clinton go to jail? No just spent a couple night on the sofa. He lied and committed adultery. He abused his power.

MC
They are making basic training way to easy for evveryone. I'm glad that I went in when I did because it wasn't as hard when you went through but definitely not as easy after I went through. Basic is the begining foundation on having a good military career for me. I see soldiers walking around now and all military bearing is lost. Its a shame because this is what we are sending overseas. We can't have anybody getting their feelings hurt when they should be worried if there is going to be an IED on the road when they pass it by.

bulldog_6
I'm sorry, but are we sending boys and girls to summer camp? Hmmm I didn't think so...last time I checked you had to be 18 to go in. The only time parents would be involved would be when there was a waiver signed when the canidate was 17 about to turn 18. And if they couldn't get the waiver, they just wait until they are 18. Why? Because in the USA, being an 18 means that you are a legal adult. Which means that at 18 you are able to make choices without running to mommy and daddy.

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 11:38pm - Posted by: Vader

YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. YOU MUST OBEY ORDERS. Thus the female recruit not knowing anything except to follow every command that the cc's give her becuase they have taken an oath to mold them into future guardians. "Butterflyski"

Are you serious!!! Save your pitty party for this female! She is a woman and knew exactly what she was doing! You are a joke Butterflyski!

Coastie4577 wrote:
I thought I could keep my mouth shut but can't... Emily, although I see where you may be coming from about freedom and what not the fact is you think like a civilian. Joining the military changes everything (for those who take it seriously). For most college students like yourself, you can go visit your family whenever you want, have a relationship with whomever you wish, get a DUI, be overweight.. what have you... With no real consequences. In the military everything is scrutinized. You have to always let your superiors know when you leave and not only can you leave you must earn that leave. You can't be overweight, you get in trouble at work as well as the police when you get a DUI.. and so on...This recruit was severely in the wrong. She knew it was wrong but did it anyways. In bootcamp you should only register one thing, SURVIVE THE NEXT TWO MONTHS. It is so embarassing to see this display from a women in the Coast Guard. It makes me so frustrated! It gives such a bad name to the hard working women in the Guard. The company commander acted disgracefully as well and they both are at fault! We are supposed to look up to our superiors. I was actually in bootcamp when this petty officer was there. It makes me uneasy to know this goes on. Anyways, don't be so easy to judge when you have no idea how our system operates. We have these rules which may seem unfair to civilians, but they are in place for everyones safety and also to do our job more effiiciently. Freedoms to you are not the same to us. No it is not always easy or fair, but we do it regardless and most of us love, appreciate, and take great pride in what we do.

Another proud Coast Guard female

Well said. Proud that you serve with such passion. Thank you.

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 9:26pm - Posted by: lola1998

OMFG!!! I think that I'm on the same side as Emily! This is os stupid and let me tell you why. Let's start with the facts....
-it was CONSENSUAL sex.
-they were engaged.
-she still has feelings for him.
-the innocent girl was given advancement in her career.

This story has turned one sided. He was a decorated company commander that collegues admired. But that has put under the rug when he a relationship...he was to engaged to her so then it was more then just dirty sex. What people seem to be missing is the fact there are two people at fault. The recruits weren't born yesterday. They were in the military for longer then a day. I, myself, have been in the military as well. I know from that from before day one happens at basic, we are told the do's and the don't of training. These recruits knew what they should and shouldn't be doing. Ignorance is no excuse but in the case military law was only blind for one side. They made Francesco Thompson an example. Shouldn't they make the recruit just as responsible. He was thinking not only with his "manhood" but was blinded by his feelings for the girl that he loved so much that he wanted to make her his wife. Yet she walks away and gets rewarded by getting promoted. How fair is that? I thought that the law was supposed to protect everyone. Does anybody if he was seduced? I have seen time and time again when good military (it doesn't matter what branch of service) men get punished just so that woman can make an example out of him. I'm all for women lib, but go burn your bra somewhere else. Or maybe that judge needs to get laid.

I'm not here defending him, but at the same time, he was convicted something when it should have been shared equally. The only problem is that he can't defend himself because some girl put him behind bars...she should join him. He did deserve punishment, but not like this. I completely agree with his lawyer when said that in the civilian world, you don't get punished for sex. Emily, you're right...sex is part of all of us. It's human nature. If you don't have sex, then you're missing out! And I can see why you would be mad at him.

FREE FRANSESCO!!!!

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 9:23pm - Posted by: Emily

Point taken..as well as mine. I still stand by that it takes two. She should have given the same punishment. Rules are rules and they may be different for you..but in the real world..which includes the coast guard..both should be punished..not just him especially when she admitted it was consensual. Its disheartening to personally see worse situations in the world and go through them, because i have a long list of them, and i see this article about a man have this sentence for a consensual relationship. My world may be different from yours and my rules may be different, but in reality, two people having a consensual relationship is not what people should waste time and money over. But like i said, point taken.

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 9:15pm - Posted by: bulldog_6

"the Petty officer has to live in disgrace?...lol...your an idioit...kid made a mistake...i am sure he will move on to bigger and better things..."

Im the idiot that served my Country with integrity while you sat in delhaven.
He disgraced the uniform, and will move on to prison.

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 8:50pm - Posted by: rsm

It was a consensual relationship and the recruit admitted that whole heartedly. The recruit asked to have the same type of punishment as her Company Commander (note that was not written) but was masted instead. She stated she would take his place if she could (also not written). A lesson was learned for all involved. For those of us who were at the entire Court Martial and know the full story, here is some advice: "Before you cast judgement, make sure your hands are clean"

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 8:03pm - Posted by: mc

Good Point mystella!

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 7:26pm - Posted by: mystella

does anyone know if the judge based her decision on past cases of this kind or was Mr Thoimpson' the first tried at Cape May?Also,why was this young lady a candidate for officer's school after the incident?I don't mean it to sound like she is all to blame,but was she given any sort of military discipline?I also know not to believe everything newspapers print,too. These kind of cases are good for readership.

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 5:52pm - Posted by: coastie4577

I thought I could keep my mouth shut but can't... Emily, although I see where you may be coming from about freedom and what not the fact is you think like a civilian. Joining the military changes everything (for those who take it seriously). For most college students like yourself, you can go visit your family whenever you want, have a relationship with whomever you wish, get a DUI, be overweight.. what have you... With no real consequences. In the military everything is scrutinized. You have to always let your superiors know when you leave and not only can you leave you must earn that leave. You can't be overweight, you get in trouble at work as well as the police when you get a DUI.. and so on...This recruit was severely in the wrong. She knew it was wrong but did it anyways. In bootcamp you should only register one thing, SURVIVE THE NEXT TWO MONTHS. It is so embarassing to see this display from a women in the Coast Guard. It makes me so frustrated! It gives such a bad name to the hard working women in the Guard. The company commander acted disgracefully as well and they both are at fault! We are supposed to look up to our superiors. I was actually in bootcamp when this petty officer was there. It makes me uneasy to know this goes on. Anyways, don't be so easy to judge when you have no idea how our system operates. We have these rules which may seem unfair to civilians, but they are in place for everyones safety and also to do our job more effiiciently. Freedoms to you are not the same to us. No it is not always easy or fair, but we do it regardless and most of us love, appreciate, and take great pride in what we do.

Another proud Coast Guard female

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 3:26pm - Posted by: Peachy Pie

First off, I don't think this dude looks anything like David Beckham! LOL
But, sounds like he needs a warning and a reminder of what policies are
along with the spice girl who was involved in this relationship. I don't think
he should be jailed or disgraced over it.

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 10:46am - Posted by: delhaven

the Petty officer has to live in disgrace?...lol...your an idioit...kid made a mistake...i am sure he will move on to bigger and better things...

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 10:38am - Posted by: wonderbus

The female recruit should have never been put in that position in the first place. Regardless she was following orders by her Drill Instructer. Did she in the end have feelings for this man? Yes she did.

And I do believe she was instructed to cease a "Perceived" relationship with an Ensign, it was not a relationship just a perception only.

This man as sad as it is, felt it his right to go for his own personal gain, regardless of anyone elses feelings in the matter.

Not all of the training center is bad, as in any branch of service. Not everyone has done wrong there are many that do RIGHT on that base.

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 9:29am - Posted by: Butterflyski

Well Emily I am glad you have beliefs and things but here is what really happens, in boot camp YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. YOU MUST OBEY ORDERS. Thus the female recruit not knowing anything except to follow every command that the cc's give her becuase they have taken an oath to mold them into future guardians. He has abused that power. therefore the female is not at fault. She is doing what she was prompted to do as soon as she stepped off that bus. To follow orders. It is not her fault that he chose to abuse his position for his own personal gain, because he was unhappy with either his life or his career.Who knows why he did it. It wasnt because he wasn't in his right mind, its because he is not happy with something in his life. And so far as I have seen in all my 19 years and being in the service for almost 2yrs, people reguardless if civilian or military will do anything to get out of what makes them unhappy. Yes both worlds have their flaws but it all depends on a persons decision when they take their position in their service. It can either help us succeed or it can hinder us and actually cause a big chain to cause us bad promotion and a fall in morale which means less people want to protect their country because of a few corrupt individuals who want to get personal gain through their position. So please understand our side as we understand yours. WE love protecting our country, we volunteered to do it, but if you have any malicoious intent please don't enlist, because in the end you make us look bad, and we put our lives on the line for your benefit.

A proud female in the military,
semper paratus

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 4:19am - Posted by: mullock477

I think based on this testimony that we should have more women in the military. They are working out so well.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 11:15pm - Posted by: DurtyJeerzy

Fact is what this scumbag did was wrong. it doesnt matter if the recruit wanted sex with him or not he's still at fault.... granted people in the coast guard have sex with each other, whether its in relationships or flings. BUT NOT IN BOOT CAMP! he is charged with the duties of teaching the new coasties what being a military member is about and getting them ready to serve and protect their country. if it was that big of deal and he really wanted to persue a relationship with the recruit then he should have had the smarts to relize to do it after boot camp. as far as im concerned these recruits did nothing wrong. how are they suppose to know what right and wrong when it comes to being in the coast guard for only 2 months! hes been in since 98? u think somewhere along the lines he would have finally picked up and understood the core values and actually applied them. if you really have a problem then think about this... what if this hapened on a 378 when you were in a bad storm, or on a boarding and he decided to have sex with someone fresh outa boot camp? yea those are extreme examples but still, your job is your job. and its one thing to have consenual sex with someone off duty but this was AT WORK and while he had a job to do. i got treated like crap in boot camp but someitmes thats the point. they are suppose to break you down and bring you back up according to the MILITARY standards, not there own standards. he used his own position to help sway getting off with a recruit who probably didnt know any better and then to worsen it by harrassing the other recuit because he couldnt get enough with just one. People like this make me sick and im glad he got what he deserves. its a much better coast guard when the scumbags and people who dont give a s bout the coast guard are gone. we dont need aholes like this in the coast guard. being an AMT and having this mentality i would never want him to work on my aircraft or even fly with him. hes a liability after this and just would end up gettin someone killed. How would he try to talk or lie his way outa that one? good ridence... CG is better with him gone. hope he thinks bout how he messed up the rest of his life and the 10 years hes been in is all a waste now while hes struggling to find a job because he couldnt keep it in his pants. Nobody likes a selfish scummer that is only out for himself...

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 10:13pm - Posted by: captron

Comment removed by staff.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 10:06pm - Posted by: Emily

ok..hardfortheguard69..im nowhere near a "tree hugging hippie." im actually a hardworking college student who has strong beliefs about what is important in the world and people having sex is not one of them. SECONDLY...the people who raised me taught me rules in which i agree that there should be..but honestly..if someone said you couldnt have a romantic relationship with a certain person..and you did...you would take that sentence lightly? probably not. and about buying a one way ticket out of the country...ill buy you one instead. sorry "hardfortheguard" that i have an opinion...you never did anything wrong? ur freaking perfect?? doubt it. THE PEOPLE WHO RAISED ME..taught me not to judge..maybe you should buy the person who raised you a ticket out of the country..ass.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 10:03pm - Posted by: hardfortheguard69

Wanted........
A Man with low values to teach Arobic class on Wed night must be willing to not follow the rules harass all students and maybe show up drunk to teach

All interested should reply with there inmate number and Date of Release
Pay is not much but when you get off on being a scum bag its priceless

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 9:55pm - Posted by: captron

thats right emily i take that back im busy tonoight you drama queen hoe hoe hoe hoeeeeeeeeee how bout u just focuz on shitnitz that materz like peiple recycling and.......nuklear bomb headz and shitz lie that EMILY nah mean.... get wit DAH MO FOOO program or elz...............................................beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeothz we bout to run trainzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz on u hoeeeeeeeeeeee

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 9:50pm - Posted by: hardfortheguard69

OK EMILY.....
Welcome to the real world there are rules and he broke those rules and noq he is paying.
Sorry that we are not all tree loving hippies like you that want to pick and choose what rules we have to follow. Do me a favor and buy yourself a one-way ticket out of this country and take the people that rasised you with you cause we dont need unshaved armpit and legged kind like you around here. Grow up welcome to the real world now follow the rules or find a new set in a new country to go by.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 9:43pm - Posted by: captron

***emily**** i agree. ...what u doin tonight you should hit me up actualy im doin nutin butt i toetilly agree wiv yaz daz po cc got nubd up da B but obvz u iz jelus of wut day got and u doesnt gotz so mayz well hit may up and me be telllin yaz what yo needz to undah standz in diz situation.......Go to College, dont be a retard!....................................................................................like me

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 9:36pm - Posted by: Emily

Ok..honestly..we are fighting a war right now and people are dying from cancer and the coast guard is concerned about two people having sex? i get that it was the rules, but honestly rapists and murders are running around and he gets locked up for something thats human nature and she doesnt get anything? im glad the coast guard has their priorities straight. that to me is disguisting. The things that people get away with in life and a coast guard is locked up for 3 months for CONSENSUAL sex. I'm sure freaking everyone in the coast guard are banging each other and he happens to get caught. Why dont we solve bigger problems in the world first..because that would be nice to see. i personally think its messed up and feel sorry for anyone put in that situation. And as far as the comments go..it was a joke and im sure the girls laughed about it and then complained. I think the girls having sex should get the same sentence. What a waste of time and money..its human nature to have sex..its like putting someone in jail for eating. we have to right?

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 9:36pm - Posted by: hardfortheguard69

There is more to say about this im going to guess he liked to be spanked in the sack with her he spends all day yelling at these people and he just wants to be put in his place cause he knows he doesnt have a hair on himself to stand up in a real situation he is granted power OVER the people he is incharge of they have no choce but to render respect and when he got down to it with her i hope she played CC with him and made him the Bit#* he is.....

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 9:27pm - Posted by: captron

Comment removed by staff.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 9:23pm - Posted by: hardfortheguard69

Ok lets see there are probably 10 females in each company and there are how many females outside the front gate of that compound. It is pretty sad that he has to take his power of authority and use it to his advantage to get his little man off. I feel for the female in this situation seeming she probably got nothing out of the deal since all CC's suffer from little man syndrom and i bet that doesnt stop at his head.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 8:32pm - Posted by: theSHADOW

Just curious as to whether the Ensign who was tapping her is being Court martialed as well? Probably not......he's an officer and as such is permitted to try out the goods without repercussions

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 7:21pm - Posted by: bulldog_6

He had the Higher rank and authority. He gets discharged because he knew the rules, deliberatly disregarded them, and attempted to lie and cover it up.

If this guy was still in, how can any parent have the confidence to send their kid to be trained by this idiot, knowing he could not even follow simple rules during training. How can anyone trust him to train their kid to go into combat or a high threat enviornments? (I have personally seen CG folks in Baghdad and Mosul.) How can anyone trust this guy to cover their back when kicking down a door. if he can not even act as a professional in a training enviornment.

Reading further we see she has a no contact order. This time with an Ensign, an Officer, this is even worse. This is where everything will be hush- hush and go away. Officers will take care of other Officers.

She needs a psych eval, and a discharge.
The Ensign needs to be investigated regarding fraternization.
The Petty Officer- to live in disgrace, and to have to put the dishonorable discharge info on certain job/loan applications.

MC- if we had the filter system that you guys had, this fraternization garbage would not have went on. Semper Fi, Sir, thank you for your service.

As a formor Combat Company Commander (CPT), I will tell you that, these proceedings seemed swift, as far as anything the Government can do, were completed in a rapid fashion, and transparent- no cover ups. Absolutely with the caviot of this article being thorough.

Bulldog_6 out.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 5:28pm - Posted by: mc

Oh boo hoo...They are not allowed to make nick names up for recrutes? They ought to thank their lucky stars that they didn;t have to go through the USMC boot camp in 68. They not only gave you names, they literally would beat you, bad, should you do something that they didn;t like. It personally happened to me, and I saw other recruts beaten pretty severly. Back then I tried to get into the CG but you had to know somebody.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 2:20pm - Posted by: Vader

Wonderbus said....................she was innocent until he started this!

It says it was consensual! She wanted it just as much as he did! How is she innocent!? If he made her do it by force, then he raped her. I don't feel she's innocent at all. Don't get me wrong though, he was way out of line. I don't think just the sex part got him discharged. I believe it was the lies and asking recruits to lie to their superiors is what did him in.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 1:55pm - Posted by: LeadingU_2009

Not sure if (Uniform Code of Military Justice) UCMC indicates such behavior as a violation of conduct.

However, I see it innocent in terms of if two people fall in love. Power of love surmounts anything including UCMC.

If he abused power to take advantage of recruits, then he is guilty.

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 5:12am - Posted by: mullock477

Yes they do hold to a high standard of conduct and have nothing but disdain for the lack of honor and discipline exhibited by the non-uniformed members of our society.






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