Posted on 08/17/2006 4:04:32 PM PDT by aomagrat
(Richland) August 16, 2006 - Four Marines were arrested along with 14 other young men and boys after law enforcement got a tip about a gang meeting at Pine Grove Park Sunday night.
"They were probably the major focal point of this meeting," says gang investigator David Soto. Soto thinks they wanted to put their military experience to use in the plot, "You learn how to shoot, come in and move out. And those are things you also bring back to the general public. And these are things they'll also give the same training to their fellow gang members."
Officers of the Richland County Sheriff's Department arrested them on trespassing charges.
The Marines are:
Private Carlos M. Downing, an aviation operations specialist, a member of MAG-31 Headquarters. He joined the Marine Corps in Sept. 2004. Cpl. Jermel H. Matthias, an aircraft maintenance administrative specialist, a member of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2002. Lance Cpl. Shavon J. Striggles, an aircraft maintenance administrative specialist, a member of VMFA(AW)-224. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2005. Lance Cpl. Marcus O. Lofton, a food service specialist, is a member of Marine Wing Support Squadron 273. He joined the Marine Corps in Sept. 2005. Matthias was also charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon.
The four Marines were released on their own recognizance at one point, and Downing was reported as missing from the Air Station without authorization. Downing was arrested by Beaufort County authorities late Tuesday for simple possession of marijuana.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department has jurisdiction over the case and MAG-31 is working with the County to facilitate their investigation. MAG-31 is also conducting an investigation into the matter and will prosecute any suspected violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
It's scary, says Sheriff Leon Lott, "I don't know where they're loyalty would lie, to defending the United States, or to the Crips."
Investigators say it's not the first time there have been questions about gang members in the military. At Fort Jackson, Richland County deputies and the Army have a plan to try and prevent gang members from coming there. Army recruiter Gregory Craig says recruits get background checks and the Army uses a form to review possible gang tattoos. "Those people can be discharged right before basic training."
Recruits are also asked if they've been a gang member. Craig admits, "Yes, it's a possibility they could lie."
"I've known of instances that has occurred. They're immediately released and discharged from the United States Army."
As for concerns about other Marines involved with gangs, a release states: "The Marine Corps makes every effort to screen all applicants for criminal history and other indicators of tendencies to engage in unlawful behavior. We also only accept applicants who have demonstrated the character to obey the laws of the United States and uphold the high standards expected of all Marines.
"The Marine Corps does not tolerate or condone unlawful behavior. We are quick to respond, thoroughly investigate, and hold our service members accountable for their actions."
...and locked up for good, I hope.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.