William Cassara
We represented an Army CPT being investigated for violations of the Army’s Equal Opportunity Policy and counterproductive leadership. After conducting our own investigation, we soon realized that the AR 15-6 was heavily biased and inaccurate. We submitted a strong rebuttal with many letters of support from leaders in the unit. The brigade commander disapproved the … Read more
We recently successfully petitioned the Naval Discharge Review Board on behalf of an enlisted reservist Marine to upgrade an Other than Honorable to General, Under Honorable Conditions. The Marine had undiagnosed PTSD that contributed to his absence from drill. The NDRB agreed that the previous characterization was unfair based on his combat service and excellent post-service … Read more
In 2009, Army Major Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, walked into a Soldier Readiness Processing Center on Fort Hood, Texas and opened fire with a semiautomatic handgun equipped with laser sights. He killed thirteen people and wounded thirty-one others. The attack ended when he was shot by responding law enforcement. As a result of his … Read more
In February 2020, SSgt Flanner, USMC, was deployed to Kuwait as a contracting officer. He submitted four purchase vouchers for more than $30,000 for payment during that month. The Government claimed that they were fraudulent and NCIS opened an investigation into SSgt Flanner in May 2020. In May 2021, NCIS brought SSgt Flanner in for … Read more
The Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals recently decided the case of United States v. Salinas. Petty Officer Second Class Salinas was convicted of attempted sexual assault and assault with intent to commit sexual assault. The two offenses were charged in the alternative, so PO2 Salinas was only sentenced on the attempted sexual assault offense. … Read more
The Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals recently decided the case of United States v. Harborth. Chief Harborth and his wife were having an argument over her suspicion that he was having an affair. The Chief’s wife asked to see his cell phone and he began to delete pictures from the phone. The Chief’s stepdaughter … Read more
The military justice system has drawn criticism over the years due to the role that commanders historically played in deciding which cases went to trial. This criticism has been heightened in recent years as Congress has sought to address issues regarding the handling of military sexual assault allegations. The FY22 NDAA included Congress’s attempt to … Read more
The Army Court of Criminal Appeals recently reversed a guilty finding for rape in the case of United States v. NievesVele. PV2 NievesVele was convicted of rape and sentenced to 14 years confinement, a dishonorable discharge, and reduction to E-1. At trial, the alleged victim testified that PV2 NievesVele had committed forcible penetration without consent. … Read more
The Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals recently decided the case of United States v. Nina. LCpl Nina was investigated for the introduction, possession, and distribution of LSD aboard Camp Pendleton, California. When he was interviewed, LCpl Nina admitted his crimes and named the Marines to whom he distributed the LSD, as well as the … Read more