Case against Capt. Hamilton disclosed

A few months ago we posted an item about the sudden removal of the U.S. Coast Guard's Sector Anchorage commander, Capt. Mark Hamilton.

Today, the Coast Guard is explaining the reasons why, though full details remain lacking.

Here's the press release:

U.S. Coast Guard, 17th District

Nov. 3, 2009

Senior Coast Guard officer investigated for misconduct

JUNEAU — The former commander of Coast Guard Sector Anchorage has been charged Tuesday with multiple violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Capt. Herbert Mark Hamilton was charged with six specifications of failure to obey a lawful general order under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice; two specifications of false official statements under Article 107; two specifications of indecent acts under Article 120; three specifications of sodomy under Article 125; one specification of fraud against the United States under Article 132; eight specifications of conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman under Article 133; two specifications of fraternization under Article 134; three specifications of adultery under Article 134; one specification of indecent language under Article 134; and three specifications of soliciting another to commit an offense under Article 134.

The charges were based on the results of a preliminary investigation conducted by the Coast Guard Investigative Service.

The charges against Hamilton are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty under proceedings conducted in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Rear Adm. Christopher Colvin, the Coast Guard 17th District commander, has directed the charges against Hamilton be investigated in accordance with Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. An Article 32 hearing is a formal investigation where an investigating officer inquires into the truth of the matters set forth in the charges and recommends disposition of the charges. The accused member and his counsel are present and have the right to question witnesses at such a proceeding. A date and location has not yet been set for the Article 32 hearing.

If the charges against Hamilton are tried at a general court-martial, Hamilton faces a potential maximum sentence that may include confinement, a dismissal from the Coast Guard or a number of other lesser forms of punishment.