Little justice in Naval prosecutions
Prosecutors trying the case of Rear Adm. Robert Gilbeau for accepting bribes from a Malaysian “businessman” known as “Fat Leonard” in a $30 million rip-off of the Navy announced they are seeking a 12-to-18 month sentence, $50,000 in restitution and a $100,000 fine.
A seaman stealing 20 steaks from the mess hall would get five years, a dishonorable discharge and loss of pay. Is there justice for the rich and powerful or just for the poor and middle class?
Naval Capt. Daniel Dusuk was sentenced in the same case to 46 months in prison. There is a double standard in the military and in the civilian court system which ensures that admirals and generals walk with slaps on the wrist while enlisted personnel have the book thrown at them.
Both of the officers in this case should be doing between eight and 20 years in a military brig, suffer demotion, lose their pensions and be drummed out of the military.
Our system says it’s OK to rob the American people if you are a career officer of command status.
Larry L. Murphy, Clovis
This story was originally published June 17, 2016 at 9:37 AM with the headline "Little justice in Naval prosecutions."