Naval Academy: Sexual Assault Not a Crime

March 31, 2007
Naval Academy: Sexual Assault Not a Crime

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A Naval Academy probe into allegations of lewd behavior and heavy drinking on a Caribbean cruise found that up to 10 midshipmen acted "immature" but committed no crimes.

The findings were announced Friday. The investigation began after a passenger alleged that she and other women were groped on the Carnival cruise ship Glory during the academy's March 10-18 spring break. Some of the midshipmen also were accused of offering alcohol to teenage girls.

The investigation determined there were 37 midshipmen on the ship.

"The Naval Academy holds our midshipmen to extremely high standards and this type of inappropriate conduct is not tolerated," the academy said. "Any midshipmen who acted inappropriately will be held accountable and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken."