Chief Warrant Officer Stephen LaRose, an esteemed Marine Corps weapons specialist, recently faced a court-martial at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.
He received a reprimand for making a false official statement and for conduct unbecoming of an officer.
However, the charges related to unauthorized absence, akin to being absent without leave (AWOL), were dismissed early in the proceedings.
Background of the Case
LaRose, a decorated Marine with two Bronze Stars and a history with the Close Combat Lethality Task Force under former Secretary Jim Mattis, was confronted with a total of 15 allegations regarding his conduct from 2022 to 2023.
The inquiry began after an anonymous tip directed to the Marine Corps Inspector General raised concerns about his behavior during that time.
Over the course of a three-day trial, a jury composed of eight officers deliberated for about four hours before finding LaRose guilty on three counts.
These counts involved the improper use of official military emails while representing a defense contractor, all while still in uniform.
Charges related to dereliction of duty and additional false statements were thrown out due to insufficient evidence.
LaRose’s defense team noted the absence of any fitness reports from superior officers since 2019, complicating his standing as he pursued a medical retirement.
Support and Response
In a show of support, prominent witnesses testified on LaRose’s behalf, including retired Major General Charles Gurganus and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anthony Viggiani, a Navy Cross recipient recognized for his bravery in Afghanistan.
They praised LaRose’s integrity and professionalism throughout his military service.
In a surprising turn during a court recess, LaRose took part in an unusual ceremony to promote his attorney to captain—an atypical event in a court-martial context.
LaRose’s civilian legal counsel expressed astonishment at the charges, characterizing LaRose as a combat-wounded veteran.
He suggested that the issues raised could have been managed in a more appropriate administrative setting and voiced confidence that an appellate court might overturn the conviction.
Future Plans
Following the trial, LaRose announced plans to appeal, stressing the need for clearer guidance that could benefit future service members in similar situations.
He expressed concern about the repercussions of honest mistakes in the absence of proper direction and oversight.
Source: Militarytimes