SAN DIEGO (NNS) — A military judge at general court-martial Oct. 28 accepted the guilty plea of a naval officer who was accused by two female Sailors in his command of sexual assault and rape.
Capt. Carole J. Gaasch, accepted the pleas of Cmdr. Jay Wylie, who she then sentenced to 10 years confinement, total forfeitures and dismissal from the Navy.
Consistent with the terms of a pre-trial agreement, the period of confinement that will be served by Wylie is 42 months.
“Rape and sexual assault are crimes,” said Sheila Murray, a spokesperson for Commander Navy Region Northwest (CNRNW), the convening authority in this case. “All accusations of sexual assault or any crime are vigorously investigated and adjudicated as appropriate. We hold our people accountable and we expect commanding officers to uphold the highest personal and professional standards.”
Wylie was relieved of duty as commanding officer of guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), home ported in Everett, Wash., April 27, due to loss of confidence in his ability to command stemming from allegations of misconduct.
An immediate investigation into the allegations led to charges that covered two incidents involving the two women. One incident took place on board Momsen, while in port in Washington state, and the other took place ashore during a port visit to Victoria, Seychelles.
Wylie pleaded guilty to one count of rape, one count of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of abusive sexual contact and three counts of conduct unbecoming an officer.
The two victims in this case were kept fully informed and were allowed to provide input, consistent with their rights under the Navy’s Victim Witness Assistance Program. They will continue to be informed throughout the duration of the case and any post-trial proceedings.
“The Navy wants to ensure that every victim feels safe and supported to report sexual assault, seeks needed information and receives care,” said Murray. “The victims in this case will continue to be informed through the duration of the case and any post-trial proceedings.”
The hearing was moved to San Diego because Wylie is currently assigned to a San Diego duty station.
