US Navy revises transfer policy: sailors under investigation for sexual assault or stalking may only be moved to shore commands

Published Jul 27, 08:25 PM UTC

The U.S. Navy has revised its transfer policy following the murder of Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelina Resendiz by a fellow sailor, Jermiah Copeland. The new policy, announced via a Navy Administrative Message, requires that sailors under investigation for sexual assault or stalking be transferred only to shore commands. Commanders must also coordinate with NCIS, law enforcement, Sexual Assault Response Coordinators, and other commanding officers when making temporary transfers. Resendiz, a 21-year-old culinary specialist assigned to the destroyer USS James E. Williams, disappeared in May 2025 and was found dead near Naval Station Norfolk. Copeland pleaded guilty to unpremeditated murder and other charges, receiving a 44-year prison sentence, a dishonorable discharge, and sex offender registration. Advocacy group Shield of Sisters praised the policy change as a significant step, suggesting it could have prevented the transfer of Copeland to Resendiz's ship and saved her life.