Three football players at the United States Naval Academy have been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a female midshipman at a party last year. They were also charged with making a false official statement.
An investigation into the young woman’s allegations began in 2012 but was stopped after she stopped cooperating. After she reported the alleged assault, the woman was disciplined for drinking and was required to attend football games in which her alleged attackers played.
The case was reopened in February 2013, and the renewed investigation has taken place at a time when all branches of the military have faced close scrutiny for its handling of sexual assault cases. A series of high profile allegations and investigations, both on military bases and at academies, has led President Obama, military leaders, and legislators to call for changes to the way these cases are investigated and prosecuted.