October 2, 2007
We Bet His Discharge Will Cite “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Gay Pornography Can Be Used in Navy Trial
In a decision that could jeopardize a Navy physician’s career, a military judge ruled Monday that gay pornography found on the doctor’s computer can be used as evidence in his trial on charges that he videotaped U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen having sex.
Cmdr. Kevin J. Ronan is charged with seven counts of conduct unbecoming an officer, three counts of illegal wiretapping and one count of obstruction of justice. Prosecutors said the pornography establishes a motive for the alleged secret taping of the midshipmen.
Ronan, who hosted midshipmen in his home as part of a Naval Academy program, could be sentenced to more than 10 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Even if Ronan is found innocent at trial this month, the such evidence often brings a military investigation into a service member’s sexual orientation. Open homosexuality is grounds for being dismissal from the service.
Ronan’s lawyers had tried to keep the evidence out of his trial, saying prosecutors couldn’t prove he was the one who downloaded the material, and that the implication he might be gay would turn the jury against him.
Filed under: Military/DADT
