USS Bonhomme Richard

[Number6]

Remember, in 2020, the USS Bonhomme Richard caught fire at Naval Base San Diego and the ship was a total loss? The sailor who was accused of starting the fire has been found not guilty of starting the fire by a military judge.

A Navy judge ruled Friday that a sailor was not guilty of setting a fire that destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego in 2020.

The ruling came after a nine-day trial at Naval Base San Diego. Ryan Sawyer Mays, who had been charged with arson and the willful hazarding of a ship, let out a deep breath, put both hands on the defense table and broke into sobs. Mays embraced members of his defense team, then ran over to his wife and parents, where they hugged and sobbed for several minutes. At one point, Mays' mother was heard telling him, "I had no doubt."

“Seaman Recruit Mays was found not guilty on the charges of willful hazarding of a vessel and aggravated arson. The Navy is committed to upholding the principles of due process and a fair trial,” said Lt. Samuel R. Boyle, spokesman for U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Prosecutors accused then-19-year-old Mays of igniting cardboard boxes in a lower vehicle storage area to drive home an earlier text to his division officer that the ship was so cluttered with contractors’ stuff it was “hazardous as (expletive).” They contended that Mays was angry and vengeful about failing to become a Navy SEAL and being assigned to deck duty and ignited the ship to send a message.

There is no physical evidence, however, tying Mays to the fire on the ship, which was docked and undergoing maintenance at that time.

Outside the courtroom building at Naval Base San Diego, Mays read a brief statement to reporters and declined to answer questions. He did not address his plans.

“I can say that the past two years have been the hardest two years of my entire life, as a young man,” he said. “I’ve lost time with friends. I’ve lost friends. I’ve lost time with family and my entire Navy career was ruined. I am looking forward to starting over.”
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/ ... d/3060203/

The local news covered the trial just highlighting what the defense said. It looked, to me, like he was going to be found guilty but I was wrong, he was found not guilty. I was surprised the sailor asked for a judge instead of opting for jury (panel) where at least one-third of the members must be enlisted. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. With only a judge, you have someone who could be a hard-ass and predetermine the accused is automatically guilty or someone who goes by the book. With a jury (panel), often you have officers and senior NOCs who automatically think the accused is guilty or if you have a good senior NCO who obeys the spirit and the rules of evidence.

[Glennfs]

What happens to a guy like that during the two years he was awaiting trial

[Number6]

What happens to a guy like that during the two years he was awaiting trial

It depends upon what the person's job was when charged. If it's a sensitive job, such as dealing with patients, classified documents, security police,etc.., the person will be assigned to administrative duties (desk job). If they're in nonsensitive jobs then they continue to perform their normal duties.

I had a troop who tested positive for amphetamines and while waiting for her Courts Martial she continued working in her job. I another incident, there was a psychologist, a Major, accused of having sexual relations with a patient, and he was removed from his position and assigned to non=patient duties normally done by enlisted personnel.