Former Navy chaplain faces court martial on 18 separate charges
January 31, 2011 · Updated 9:17 AM
A Navy chaplain formerly stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station is facing a general court martial on 18 counts, including assault, fraternization, threats and extortion, the Navy Times reported.
Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth Johnson, 53, came to NAS Whidbey in 2006 as the chaplain for sailors who support and fly the EA-6B Prowlers, according to a story from Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Northwest. Johnson is currently assigned to the Kitsap Naval Base.
According to the Navy Times, the alleged crimes occurred while Johnson was on Whidbey. He allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a female member of the Navy and assaulted her at an Oak Harbor home. He was charged with conduct unbecoming an officer for forcing the woman, who was barefoot and in nightclothes, out of the house they shared.
In addition, Johnson allegedly threatened to “blackball” the woman and her business in the community and threatened the woman’s daughter, the Navy Times reported.
Johnson also allegedly sent an email to a female witness telling her not to answer questions with the Naval Criminal Investigation.
Johnson has denied all the allegations. His defense attorney said the case is related to “a private break-up,” the Navy News reported.
If convicted of all the charges against him, Johnson could face up to 46 years in prison.
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