JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The sole survivor and co-pilot of a Coast Guard helicopter crash that killed three others on the Washington coast last year faces charges of negligent homicide and other violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The charges against Lt. Lance Leone, which the Coast Guard hasn’t publicly specified in detail, will be heard beginning Wednesday in Juneau. Both sides will get to make arguments. An investigating officer will make recommendations to the Coast Guard’s commanding officer in Alaska for the next course of action.
Possibilities include dismissal of charges, administrative action or court martial. Leone faces a possible maximum of 7 12 years in prison if convicted on all courts at a court martial.
The charges have stunned Leone’s family and friends and parents of one of the victims.
