The United States Navy has taken action against staff involved in the case of former Lt. Cmdr. Anthony L. Velasquez, a doctor accused of sexually abusing a number of women while based in Japan and Kuwait between 2007 and 2009.
"On Feb. 17, 2011, (Rear Adm. Nanette) DeRenzi relieved Capt. Rex Guinn of his position as commanding officer, Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) Japan for loss of confidence in his ability to command," Lt. Justin Cole, a spokesman for the navy based in Washington, D.C., told The Japan Times. "The relief is a result of his failure to adequately resource, supervise and oversee the Velasquez case. Capt. Guinn has been reassigned locally."
The handling of the case infuriated some of Velasquez's victims, who felt he got off lightly for his crimes. A plea bargain struck with naval authorities saw him serve seven days in the brig at Yokosuka base, Kanagawa Prefecture, after admitting to two counts each of wrongful sexual contact and conduct unbecoming an officer. Twenty-nine further charges against the doctor based on accusations from a total of 23 women were dropped, and a two-year prison sentence, $28,000 fine and forfeiture of all pay and allowances were suspended for a year under the deal. He was dismissed from the navy, had his medical license revoked and is registered as a sex offender in the U.S.