West Point Cadets involved with Drugs on Spring Break

A judge has confirmed the cadets purchased cocaine from the drug dealer.

“We have clear showing he sold them cocaine, no question about that. I wonder where the fentanyl is coming from?” said Judge Joseph Murphy III.
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Another court official confirmed that some cadets were still on ventilators as of Sunday.

“These victims, some of them are still on a ventilator and not able to communicate,” said Denise Neuner, the assistant state attorney.
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“There’s a definite link, judge, between the drugs that this man is selling to the individuals that are now on a ventilator fighting for their lives to the drugs that were sold to the undercover detective. There is a direct link that this individual is the source of supply so whether he’s selling fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin is irrelevant… the fact is he is selling controlled substances that are potentially killing members of the community,” said Neuner.
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Very sad news.
 
Capt MJ said:
Everything below depends on the actual facts of the incident and is a general outline of what might happen if the facts warrant.

All military members must abide by the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

A full investigation will be done by USMA, as well as by the appropriate civilian police authority.

The jurisdiction over the case and any criminal charges lies with civilian authority, since it did not occur on a military base. The local DA may turn it all back over to USMA to sort out and adjudicate. Or, the case, depending if there is one, will play out in civilian court, and USMA will await its turn.

Due process will be followed; the cadets will have rights. If USMA assumes jurisdiction, the JAGs will determine what, if any, charges will be brought. They cannot duplicate charges already brought in a civilian court that led to a verdict.

The Superintendent is likely the Army court-martial convening authority of the area. The case will be examined to see if there is enough evidence to support going to trial in an Article 32 hearing, similar to a grand jury proceeding. If there is, a decision is made with regard to a court-martial. I won’t get into the differences among General, Special and Summary courts-martial, except to say the GCM is most like a civilian trial. Outcomes of courts-martial may have punishments assigned that include punitive discharges such as the bad conduct discharge and dishonorable discharge. Military members being tried at a court-martial are presumed innocent.

The Superintendent also has the option of an administrative conduct proceeding, much more streamlined. Separation can also be the outcome of these, but it would likely be a General-Other Than Honorable conditions discharge.

There are two charges in the UCMJ typically not found in civilian law, but are very handy and flexible for military cases. Informally, they are “failure to maintain good order and discipline” and “bringing discredit upon the service.” This last one is especially handy for misconduct that brings mud splatter to the Army and USMA.

More than you ever wanted to know, but there is due process. The good of the Army will be a prime factor in all decisions.

If I recall correctly, the service Secretary is the separation authority, but generally follows the recommendation of the Superintendent.

Of course, I have no official knowledge of how any of this will play out, but my comments here are based on my time on the staff of a GCM convening authority, USNA Commandant’s staff and a whole pile of cases, more cases from when I was a CO, XO and Chief of Staff, doing Article 13 Non-Judicial Punishment hearings (the administrative option), being a Summary Court-Martial authority, serving as a member of 5 GCM juries, etc.

All this is just Misconduct 101. The facts of the incident have not fully emerged, and no doubt much will not be released to the public.
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I just wanted to emphasize I am in no way a JAG, just someone who has been involved with UCMJ conduct proceedings from JO to senior officer. Upon chatting with a forum friend, I realized my comment
“Due process will be followed; the cadets will have rights. If USMA assumes jurisdiction, the JAGs will determine what, if any, charges will be brought. They cannot duplicate charges already brought in a civilian court that led to a verdict.”


could be a conclusion I had drawn from observation. It is technically likely the military could charge on the same offenses, but usually do not (again, my observation), if they consider the civilian criminal justice system has adequately addressed them.

There is justice, and there is mercy. My merciful heart is deeply saddened by potential ramification and impact on young lives, should the worst case be true.
 
Just a guess here, but if "felonies" were committed it is likely that at least one of the Cadets will be charged. Broward County States Attorney could very well defer prosecution until the Army has it's slice of the pie since the UCMJ is normally less forgiving than state law. If it is true that there is concrete evidence of "intent" on the part of one Cadet or many Cadets, then if they come thru this, they likely will not only be disenrolled from WP, but prosecuted under the UCMJ as @Capt MJ has said. The Article 133 UCMJ may or may not apply as to whether the Army considers them "Officers" or not, but that is not a good one to face as Conduct Unbecoming is likely to result in either a Bad Conduct Discharge or General under less than Honorable Conditions. Both of these are usually "Career Killers" even in the civilian world. And they can forget any VA benefits to help care for residuals as "Misconduct" negates VA benefits.

The States Attorney for Broward County will investigate this along with the Broward Sheriff's Office and probably FDLE as well. If the "dealer" flips and tells investigators that all four of the Cadets met him, then the whole matrix changes. Plea Bargains are offered and games are played, but I feel for these young men, mistakes or not, they are good people who made a terrible decision and will now live with it the rest of their lives.

But PLEASE don't convict them until the completion of the investigation, none of us truly know the inner events that started this or what the future holds for these young men. Just wish for their recovery and long life, and hopefully some mercy from the Criminal Justice System. This would not be such a big deal if it were four Spring Breakers from the University of Georgia or some other college, the headlines are because they were from WP, and nothing bad is supposed to be done by SA students. They are still normal people who make bad judgments or mistakes and I for one hate to see young lives ruined because of one bad choice.
 
"Duty, Honor, Country"

"Perfection" is absent for good reason. These young men will lead enlisted men and women who have likely tripped and fallen more often and harder than their officers. May these men learn from their failure and be better leaders for it.
 
Some of the replies here are pretty interesting to say the least. The US Army treats drug related offenses severely and there will be no future for cadets who abused Tier 1 drugs even once.

There is no path to commission especially if you had a heart attack and went on ventilator even if you are cleared of the drug offense. There is no path to a security clearance (cocaine use is a disqualification) which is essential to being an officer.

They might even be forced to pay back the US government for their education.

Pursuant to Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), anyone who wrongfully possesses, uses, manufactures, imports, or distributes certain controlled substances can be court-martialed and face up to fifteen years in confinement, among other issues.
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Read the history of this West Point football player who used illegal drugs. There is no do over or 'learning from your mistake'.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...-player-got-hooked-pain-pills-now-he-n1150591
 
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Ragnar2026 said:
"Perfection" is absent for good reason. These young men will lead enlisted men and women who have likely tripped and fallen more often and harder than their officers. May these men learn from their failure and be better leaders for it.
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This^

During my USAFA interview with my ALO, he asked me if it's possible to live up to the USAFA Honor Code perfectly. I said no, everyone is human, but they can perform to the best of their abilities. He then asked if I've ever lied. I said yes, of course. He told me I answered those correctly, and have I given the wrong answers I would've been immediately disqualified from consideration.

Point is, no one is perfect. All we can do is pray that they'll use those mistakes and educate others not to do the same.
 
FYI. Here is the latest, and only, information that be be taken as fact at this time:

March 14, 2022
Members of the Long Gray Line,

As many of you know, the United States Military Academy has been working through a serious incident involving several Cadets. The health and safety of all our Cadets is my top concern and priority. I ask that you refrain from speculating or commenting on the details of any ongoing investigation.

Initial reports indicate that four Cadets were transported to nearby hospitals in various conditions while on spring break in Florida after allegedly being exposed to a substance that may have contained Fentanyl. As of today, all but one Cadet has been released. We will continue to support any ongoing investigation, and once completed, we will take appropriate action to ensure the health and safety of our Cadets and to maintain good order and discipline within the Corps.

America looks to the Academy to develop leaders who embody the highest level of character. Character development is the most important thing we do here at the Academy. Good order and discipline are vitally important to our success. Therefore, illegal drugs of any kind have no place at West Point, in our Army, or in our Military.

The Academy remains committed to educating, training, and inspiring the Corps of Cadets. I encourage Cadets to take care of each other and themselves. Thank you for your continued commitment to West Point.

Darryl A. Williams
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army
Superintendent
 
Let's be honest.
Why did this incident become nationwide news? Because the West Point (WP) cadets are involved.....

Let's be honest.
The Zero-Tolerance Drug Policies are working well for many other institutions.
Since WP has developed and proved one of the highest standards in the world, the cadets must be accountable in compliance with the Honor Codes and WP policies as well.

Let's be honest.
How can the parents of many young men and women hand over their children (soldiers) to those officers who have breached the Honor Codes and compromised the Integrity significantly? They would think that those cadets, e.g., the future leaders, can waste their children's lives during some catastrophic events. WP must ensure that the Integrity has not been compromised in any circumstances.

Let's be honest.
What is the best way to prevent these shameful incidents in the future? (Yes, this incident is truly shameful). The answer is very clear. We all know the right answer.

The Integrity of West Point must not be compromised with some vague comments associated with the incident. Many young men and women who want to or are about to join the Long Gray Line are watching your write-ups.
 
After much thinking about these matters most of this weekend and reading, re-reading and re-re-reading all the comments so far on this incident, I believe I acted rashly and pre-maturely to impugn the integrity and processes of WP as an institution. I am sorry I acted emotionally and jumped to a yet unwarranted, premature conclusion. I am, however, going to watch carefully this investigation, how the facts are uncovered and disclosed, and the institutional response to the facts derived from these investigations. I know no one other than myself really cares about what I do or don't do on this matter. But if I'm wrong about something, it's best I think to admit that and then learn from it.

I really hope that WP does the right things here. At a minimum, find out what the facts are, and let people know what the facts actually are so that speculation does not run rampant. Then proceed with whatever consequences the facts require.

And probably most importantly, I hope all the cadets recover.
 
The facts will be found out. We will not ever know all of them. A JAGMAN investigation at a minimum will be done. Some 0-5 or 0-6 was probably dispatched to Florida the next day to start it and more than likely will be completed pretty quickly. And JAGMANs, if you want to be an officer, in any service, be prepared to do them. They are part of life for a JO.

Also, a few mentions of Honor Codes. Unless a Cadet lies during this investigation, it’s not an honor event. Have they compromised their integrity? Yes. Have they brought dishonor to their institution? Yes. But, have they lied, cheated or stole? None of us know that answer. I just want to clarify this point as honor and conduct (UCMJ and USMA regs) are two different things.
 
Quick anecdote: I was separated from USMA 3 days before graduation for an Honor Code violation. At the time, I was the Class President, 2nd Reg Commander, ranked #3 in the class for Armor Branch (and had posted Hawaii), on the skydiving team and a "wreath guy". I was removed as Class President, busted down to a "Cadet Private" and out-processed during what was supposed to be my Grad Week. I had to call all of my family who had flights and hotels and tell them they need not come because I was not graduating.

I didn't slip through the cracks of the admissions process as a wolf in sheep's clothing (I was enlisted beforehand and came through the prep school). I was a model cadet until I made a very costly and stupid decision because of fear of ruining my stellar record (how's that for irony?).

Here's what I wish to impart with this story. I deserved to be kicked out of West Point, no question. But thankfully my leadership once I re-entered the Army (I was given the choice of going back enlisted as a non-promotable E-4 or pay back the $250K) poured into me, mentored me and re-trained me. I went on to OCS to gain my commission and finished a 20 year career, including leading soldiers downrange. Like most leaders with long careers, I keep in touch with soldiers I led who thank me on occasion for my leadership and mentorship. Know that the Army is full of soldiers like me who have made a big egregious error but can go on to have very fruitful and impactful careers when their leadership believe in them.

Also know that just because they graduate, not all SA alumni are of impeccable character. That said, I believe in the SAs and how well they accomplish their mission. So much so, that my love for West Point has never waivered. In June, we'll drop off my DS for his R-Day. He's not going there to defend me or finish what I started. He's going because he wanted it for himself. He's a great kid that is very deserving of this opportunity, but he's also a teenager that has made some boneheaded teenager choices. He's not perfect - and no one who gets dropped off on 27 June is. But I don't think there's a better place to be molded as leaders of character. I know I was, even with my transgression.
 
CJ99 said:
Quick anecdote: I was separated from USMA 3 days before graduation for an Honor Code violation. At the time, I was the Class President, 2nd Reg Commander, ranked #3 in the class for Armor Branch (and had posted Hawaii), on the skydiving team and a "wreath guy". I was removed as Class President, busted down to a "Cadet Private" and out-processed during what was supposed to be my Grad Week. I had to call all of my family who had flights and hotels and tell them they need not come because I was not graduating.

I didn't slip through the cracks of the admissions process as a wolf in sheep's clothing (I was enlisted beforehand and came through the prep school). I was a model cadet until I made a very costly and stupid decision because of fear of ruining my stellar record (how's that for irony?).

Here's what I wish to impart with this story. I deserved to be kicked out of West Point, no question. But thankfully my leadership once I re-entered the Army (I was given the choice of going back enlisted as a non-promotable E-4 or pay back the $250K) poured into me, mentored me and re-trained me. I went on to OCS to gain my commission and finished a 20 year career, including leading soldiers downrange. Like most leaders with long careers, I keep in touch with soldiers I led who thank me on occasion for my leadership and mentorship. Know that the Army is full of soldiers like me who have made a big egregious error but can go on to have very fruitful and impactful careers when their leadership believe in them.

Also know that just because they graduate, not all SA alumni are of impeccable character. That said, I believe in the SAs and how well they accomplish their mission. So much so, that my love for West Point has never waivered. In June, we'll drop off my DS for his R-Day. He's not going there to defend me or finish what I started. He's going because he wanted it for himself. He's a great kid that is very deserving of this opportunity, but he's also a teenager that has made some boneheaded teenager choices. He's not perfect - and no one who gets dropped off on 27 June is. But I don't think there's a better place to be molded as leaders of character. I know I was, even with my transgression.
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I salute you.
 
NavyHoops said:
Also, a few mentions of Honor Codes. Unless a Cadet lies during this investigation, it’s not an honor event. Have they compromised their integrity? Yes. Have they brought dishonor to their institution? Yes. But, have they lied, cheated or stole? None of us know that answer. I just want to clarify this point as honor and conduct (UCMJ and USMA regs) are two different things.
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Yup, this is CONDUCT, not honor. It APPEARS to be a major UCMJ violation for at least some of the cadets involved but that is CONDUCT, not honor.

Example of this that I saw during my plebe year: Plebes drinking beer even though they were above the state drinking age was a major conduct offense. The Plebes who put on a Youngster (3rd Class Mid) Uniform Coat (with insignia) which made them look like they were not plebes were guilty of an honor offense. They were kicked out while their drinking buddies who did not don upperclass jackets were given a pile of demerits and continued to serve.
 
CJ99 said:
Quick anecdote: I was separated from USMA 3 days before graduation for an Honor Code violation. At the time, I was the Class President, 2nd Reg Commander, ranked #3 in the class for Armor Branch (and had posted Hawaii), on the skydiving team and a "wreath guy". I was removed as Class President, busted down to a "Cadet Private" and out-processed during what was supposed to be my Grad Week. I had to call all of my family who had flights and hotels and tell them they need not come because I was not graduating.

I didn't slip through the cracks of the admissions process as a wolf in sheep's clothing (I was enlisted beforehand and came through the prep school). I was a model cadet until I made a very costly and stupid decision because of fear of ruining my stellar record (how's that for irony?).

Here's what I wish to impart with this story. I deserved to be kicked out of West Point, no question. But thankfully my leadership once I re-entered the Army (I was given the choice of going back enlisted as a non-promotable E-4 or pay back the $250K) poured into me, mentored me and re-trained me. I went on to OCS to gain my commission and finished a 20 year career, including leading soldiers downrange. Like most leaders with long careers, I keep in touch with soldiers I led who thank me on occasion for my leadership and mentorship. Know that the Army is full of soldiers like me who have made a big egregious error but can go on to have very fruitful and impactful careers when their leadership believe in them.

Also know that just because they graduate, not all SA alumni are of impeccable character. That said, I believe in the SAs and how well they accomplish their mission. So much so, that my love for West Point has never waivered. In June, we'll drop off my DS for his R-Day. He's not going there to defend me or finish what I started. He's going because he wanted it for himself. He's a great kid that is very deserving of this opportunity, but he's also a teenager that has made some boneheaded teenager choices. He's not perfect - and no one who gets dropped off on 27 June is. But I don't think there's a better place to be molded as leaders of character. I know I was, even with my transgression.
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I cannot believe your journey. We all make big mistakes I guess. Congratulations to your son and to you sir.
 
My top company officer at USNA was involuntarily separated from another SA, nothing felonious. He got back on the horse, worked hard for a commission in the Navy via another path, excelled in his warfare specialty, was superb when it came to recalibrating mids who wanted to walk on the wild side, was open about his mistakes as a cadet, and through everyday actions, demonstrated his expertise as a leader.
 
One thing worth pointing out just for other cadets and Mids to contemplate. If you find yourselves involved in incidents such as the one in the recent news, you should not expect any health coverage from military medicine. I am uncertain how the Army conducts Line of Duty inquiries, but that's a whole other kettle of fish.
 
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