The Steamboat Pilot & Today

To summarize, I graduated from the Naval Academy in 1987. In 1988, over the course of six months, I stole approximately $3,000 from funds I was responsible for as disbursing officer aboard the USS Brumby.

I was arrested in November 1988 and pleaded guilty to misappropriation of funds, dereliction of duty and being absent without leave. I was dismissed from the Navy and sentenced to two years in jail. I served 13 months in the Charleston brig and Fort Leavenworth. I spent the final 11 months on parole in Kingsville, Texas.

There are reasons this happened, but there are no excuses. I am embarrassed by it. I greatly disappointed my family, my shipmates and those who have served honorably, such as Avetwhodoesntforget.

At the same time, this is an important part of who I am. This episode gave me a chance, at the relatively young age of 23, to hit rock bottom and start over. I will always regret the things I did, but I also know that I am a better person today because I learned from the consequences I suffered.

As Avetwhodoesntforget posted, this issue was addressed in the newspaper on Aug. 5, 2003.

I do not know who Avetwhodoesntforget is, but I respect his opinion on the matter. If others have questions about this issue, I invite you to call or e-mail me.

Scott Stanford, Editor

sstanford@steamboatpilot.com

(970) 871-4221/(970) 291-9278