U.S. Navy updates sexual assault suspect transfer policy after sailor 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, Virginia. The new policy restricts such transfers to brief relocations to shore commands only, requiring commander approval, legal advice, and coordination with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). The change was prompted by the murder committed by fellow sailor Jermiah Copeland, who was sentenced to 44 years in prison. Copeland had been linked to multiple sexual assaults prior to the murder, including incidents aboard the USS Harry S. Truman and USS James E. Williams. The previous policy allowed broader temporary transfers for service members under investigation for any crime.

Source

Navy 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