A Marine at Camp Pendleton has been charged with the sexual assault of a minor girl who was found in base barracks. This was announced on Friday, August 11, 2023. According to a statement made by Captain Charles Palmer with the 1st Marine Logistics Group, the Marine was charged with sexual assault of a minor as well as with violating liberty restriction (although this was from an unrelated case). There is a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 17, 2023, which will determine whether the Marin will be court-martialed.
The minor, a 14-year-old girl, had been missing since early June from Spring Valley. Her grandmother reported her missing on June 13, four days after she went missing. Allegedly, the minor has a history of running away, that is why the grandmother waited four days before reporting her missing; usually, the minor would only run away for very brief periods.
Military police found the minor in the barracks on June 28, 2023. It is unclear how the Marine and the minor came into contact or met. No further details have been released.
Unfortunately, this is just the latest sex abuse incident. Sex abuse continues to be a major issue in our community. Most often than not, the sexual abuse includes someone with a position of power – which can include coaches, teachers, military officials, and others who the community trusts.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused at Camp Pendleton or any other military base, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit. Contact us today to explore the legal options available to you. Our team here at the Normandie Law Firm is more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to pursue a claim.
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The Devastating Consequences of Child Sex Abuse
Sex abuse is known to have devastating consequences, even more so when the victim is a minor. Child sex abuse, without a doubt, can cause significant physical injuries. These can include injuries to genitals, injuries to reproductive organs, fractures, lacerations, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and more. Mental and emotional harm, however, is also likely. Child sex abuse can result in post-traumatic stress, panic, anxiety, fear, depression, etc. In many cases, the mental and emotional harm resulting from sexual abuse is long-lasting and can surpass any physical injury. In addition, it is important to note that victims of child sex abuse (and sex abuse at any age, in general) are more likely to develop a drug addiction or to commit suicide.
Liability for Sexual Abuse at Military Bases like Camp Pendleton
Military bases have certain rules for visitors on the premises. For instance, all visitors must be approved by superiors. In addition, visitors are limited to very specific visiting hours. Most military bases do not allow overnight visits, although some bases do offer overnight accommodation.
The minor was found in the barracks on June 28 after about two weeks of missing. It is unclear how long the minor was on the premises of the base camp. However, it is important to note that the minor should have never been allowed on the base. Even if the minor was snuck onto the base by the Marine that has now been charged or by another person, the girl should have been found during regular barracks inspections.
Is the Marine Corps responsible for the harm that the minor suffered? Yes, the Marine Corps could be responsible – for the intentional actions of the Marine who abused the minor (and any other Marine that knew about the abuse or even the presence of the minor) and for failing to inspect the barracks/premises and identify the girl’s presence.
If you have further questions about whether the Marine Corps can be held liable for sexual abuse of a minor and your right to sue, contact the experts here at our law firm today.
Recovering Compensation for Child Sex Abuse
Cases involving child sex abuse tend to be high value cases. Recovery for these cases can include some of the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral/burial costs
- Punitive damages
- Legal costs
Here at our law firm, our Camp Pendleton sexual abuse lawyers are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to fight for your rights and recover the highest recovery available.
Contact the Normandie Law Firm Today
Child sex abuse continues to be a major issue in our society. It can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. If you or a loved one were sexually abused at Camp Pendleton, contact our firm today. Here at the Normandie Law Firm, we offer free and 100% confidential attorney consultations. More specifically, we offer free consultations and free second opinions. So, whether you are looking to begin or continue your claim after starting it elsewhere, our expert legal team can help you. If you are ready to speak with our lawyers, contact us today.
Our Zero-Fee guarantee ensures that our clients will not be required to pay any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. In addition, our law firm works on contingency, so you will not be required to pay anything unless your claim is successful.
Our child sex abuse lawyers have decades of experience and are ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to hold any responsible party or entity accountable for the harm suffered. Our lawyers are not afraid to take on the Marine Corps to fight for the rights of our clients. Contact us today!
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