030 United States v. Tucker

While I was in college, our sorority traveled for an out-of-town vaguely sporty event held on the beaches of Santa Barbara, California. We were assigned a coach from the host organization who somehow knew even less about the sport than we did and whose sole task seemed to be encouraging us to drink alcohol. It was seven AM. When we arrived at the venue, it was kind of a relief to discover a series of rent-a-fence panels blocking participants from accessing the surf. We watched one attendee's absolute meltdown because she was not permitted beyond the fence and into the water. Fortunately, She had a firm rule imposed on the event: no drunk people in the ocean. Seamen Tucker and Kelch were not so lucky.

I relied on the CGCCA opinion.

I referenced articles from Stripes, Navy Times (1)(2), WHSV, the San Diego Union Tribune, CBS (1)(2), Alaska Public, KUCB, Task and Purpose, and Military.com. I also referenced Article 134 of the UCMJ.

 

To support families like the Kelch Family, please consider the Coast Guard Foundation.

 

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Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.