Washington Post: U.S. Naval Academy superintendent faces questions over decision to try midshipman
The Washington Post reports:
U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Michael H. Miller is scheduled to take the stand Friday in a courtroom at the Washington Navy Yard to defend his controversial decision to try a former Navy football player on sexual assault charges, against the recommendation of legal advisers.
Midshipman Joshua Tate of Nashville is facing court-martial for allegedly sexually assaulting a female midshipman at an April 2012 off-campus party. The judge presiding over the trial, Marine Col. Daniel Daugherty, ordered Miller to appear so the judge could determine whether public comments by civilian and military leaders influenced Miller’s decision to try Tate. If Daugherty finds there was unlawful command influence, he could limit the potential punishment or dismiss the charges, among other options.
