US Navy updates policy on transferring sexual assault suspects after murder

Published Jul 28, 08:24 PM UTC

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The U.S. Navy has updated its policy regarding the temporary transfer of sailors under investigation for sexual assault, following the 2025 murder of Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelina Resendiz at Naval Station Norfolk. The new policy restricts transfers of suspects to brief relocations to shore commands only, requiring commander approval, legal advice, and coordination with NCIS. The change was prompted by the case of Petty Officer Jermiah Copeland, who was sentenced to 44 years in prison for strangling Resendiz. Copeland had been linked to multiple sexual assaults on the USS Harry S. Truman and USS James E. Williams prior to the murder. The previous policy allowed broader temporary transfers of service members under investigation.

Source

Military TimesWestern

Original headline: Resendiz murder prompts Navy to update policy for sexual assault suspects

Original language: EN

Part of this Story

Navy Revises Transfer Policy After Sailor Angelina Resendiz's Murder

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U.S. Navy