Charge could be dropped for 1 in Naval Academy case

[unhappycamper]

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/01/charge-could-be-dropped-1-naval-academy-case

Charge could be dropped for 1 in Naval Academy case
By Jessica Gresko
The Associated Press
© January 10, 2014

WASHINGTON

A lawyer for a woman at the center of a sexual assault case involving two U.S Naval Academy midshipmen says military prosecutors plan to recommend dropping a charge against one of the men.

Ryan Guilds, a lawyer for the woman, also a midshipman, said prosecutors told her and her lawyers Thursday they intend to recommend dropping a charge of abusive sexual contact against Midshipman Eric Graham of Eight Mile, Ala. Guilds called the news "extremely disappointing."

He said the prosecutors' reason for wanting the charge dropped has to do with the fact that a judge recently decided to exclude from a military trial a statement Graham made to investigators that he had sexual contact with the woman. The statement was excluded because investigators didn't read Graham his rights, he said.

A spokeswoman for the Navy prosecutors' office, Jennifer Zeldis, said Thursday she could not confirm whether prosecutors would recommend that U.S. Naval Academy superintendent Vice Adm. Michael Miller drop the charge. She said prosecutors continue to assess the case and will "make recommendations as appropriate."