Convicted DI reprimanded, reduced in rank

Convicted DI reprimanded, reduced in rank
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Dec 18, 2007 10:13:27 EST

SAN DIEGO — A military jury formally reprimanded a Marine drill instructor Monday and sentenced him to a reduction in rank for failing to report the abuse of his recruits by other trainers.

Marine Sgt. Brian M. Wendel, 30, of Columbus, Ohio, faced a maximum sentence of a year in the brig. Last week he was convicted on one count of dereliction of duty and one of violating orders for drinking beer in the drill instructors’ office while off duty at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.

Wendel’s military attorney, Capt. Jahn Olson, did not immediately respond to a phone message late Monday.

Wendel was acquitted on the most serious charges of abuse, maltreatment and making a false statement.

His weeklong court-martial followed that of former Sgt. Jerrod Glass, who was convicted last month of eight counts of cruelty and maltreatment, destruction of personal property, assault and violating orders on how to properly treat recruits.


REst of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_wendel_071217/