Report: Three Navy players face charges over alleged rape

Jun 18, 2013 - 1:20 AM (Sports Network) - Officials at the U.S, Naval Academy will reportedly charge three football players in connection with the alleged rape of a female midshipman in April of 2012.

According to multiple media sources, the incident occurred after the woman, whose name was not disclosed, attended a party at an off-campus property known as the "football house" in Annapolis.

The alleged victim then woke up at the house the next morning with little recollection of what happened, according to a reported statement by the woman's lawyer. She learned through friends and social media that three football players were claiming they had sexual intercourse with her while she was incapacitated.

The three football players' names have yet to be revealed, as Navy has not completed an official charge sheet. However, all of them reportedly remain at the Naval Academy and were allowed to play football during the 2012 season.

The midshipman reported the incident to the Naval Criminal Investigation Service, which started an investigation that lasted until November, but did not press charges, according to the Military Times. NCIS reopened the investigation in February and has since completed it and has been reviewed by the superintendent.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Navy spokesman Cmdr. John Schofield confirmed that all three football players will face an Article 32 hearing. The hearing will begin a process similar to a civilian grand jury investigation in order to determine if a general court-martial is warranted, if administrative sanctions are to be ordered, or to dismiss the charges.