Statement From The USNA About Recent Article 32 Decision

"The Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, Vice Adm. Mike Miller, has referred the cases of Midshipman Eric Graham and Midshipman Joshua Tate to general court-martial for alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Midshipman Graham is charged with Abusive Sexual Contact (Article 120) and Midshipman Tate is charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault (Article 120). Both Midshipmen are also charged with making false official statements (Article 107). These charges are accusations. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Superintendent has decided not to refer charges to court-martial against Midshipman Tra'ves Bush.

Miller's decisions were informed by the findings and recommendations made by the Article 32 Investigating Officer, as well as by independent legal advice from the Navy's Region Legal Service Office and the Naval Academy's Staff Judge Advocate.

The case was thoroughly investigated by NCIS and was forwarded in June for further investigation at an Article 32 hearing. The Article 32 investigation concluded last month, and the investigating officer forwarded his report of findings and recommendations to Vice Adm. Miller last week.

Throughout the process, the Naval Academy ensured every available resource was offered to the alleged victim under our Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program. USNA Victim Advocates have supported her during the entire investigation and will continue to do so.

We are committed to a thorough, effective and fair conduct system and investigative process, and the Naval Academy will meet the highest standards, operate consistent with the law, and expeditiously investigate every report of unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment and sexual assault."