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Fw: Court-Martial ICO Capt James Rowe
Capt Shinn,
As you can see below, I have been contacted by the prosecution for this case. In the e-mail chain you can see that I'm currently in the field at Camp Fuji on mainland Japan and am stationed in Okinawa. I am willing to do whatever I need to do so that I can testify on Jim's behalf. I'm sure he has briefed you on our history together both personally and professionally.
As I mentioned below, I'm not familiar with the case and don't really know what will be required of me. If you could shed some light on any preparations I need to make, that would be helpful. Additionally, if you could pass along a required uniform list for the trial, I would appreciate it. Finally, please let me know the dates I need to be present. Getting to CONUS from Okinawa requires plenty of advanced notice and DTS is always fun!
Semper Fires,
Maj Ford
Major S.K. Ford, USMC
Regt S-4/Logistics Officer
12th Marine Regiment
3d Marine Division
DSN: 623-7277
BB: 080-1032-6176
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry
----- Original Message -----
From: Combe Capt Peter C
To: Ford Maj Stephen K
Sent: Sat Nov 19 07:20:53 2011
Subject: RE: Court-Martial ICO Capt James Rowe
Well Sir,
The military judge has ordered me to produce you as a witness if possible. Therefore, I am planning to have you here even if the defense doesn't contact you before trial if that works for you and you could accommodate it.
As for possible VTC testimony, that would have to be the defense's decision. They can object to my providing a witness via VTC, and as it is Capt Rowe's rights that we are looking to protect in this process that is the overriding concern.
That said, I will provide email addresses for both defense counsel so that you can contact them and ask what their preference is.
Capt Rowe's detailed (military) attorney is Capt Scott (goes by his middle name, Russell) Shinn: scott.shinn@usmc.mil.
His civilian attorney is Mr. Haytham Faraj: haytham@puckettfaraj.com
Thanks for your understanding, Sir.
Very Respectfully,
Capt Peter C. Combe II
Trial Counsel
Office of the SJA, MCB Quantico
3250 Catlin Ave.
Quantico, VA 22134
Comm: (703) 784-0037 DSN: 278
Fax: (703) 784-0035 DSN: 278
-----Original Message-----
From: Ford Maj Stephen K
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2011 16:33
To: Combe Capt Peter C
Subject: Re: Court-Martial ICO Capt James Rowe
Capt Combe,
No problem. I am supposed to be in South Korea for an initial planning conference, but I think I can be flexible with that. I'll have to check with the Division Gunner to see if he can flex his schedule.
Secondly, should I be getting contacted by the defense? I would assume that unless they ask me, this is really a moot point. While I have operational commitments, I certainly want to testify on Capt Rowe's behalf. If I can't shift the IPC dates, is it possible to submit testimony via VTC? Obviously being there in person would be preferable.
Thanks for the answers and the quick response. I'll stand by for more word.
Semper Fires,
Maj Ford
Major S.K. Ford, USMC
Regt S-4/Logistics Officer
12th Marine Regiment
3d Marine Division
DSN: 623-7277
BB: 080-1032-6176
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry
----- Original Message -----
From: Combe Capt Peter C
To: Stephen Ford <fordsk08@yahoo.com>
Cc: Ford Maj Stephen K
Sent: Sat Nov 19 05:33:05 2011
Subject: RE: Court-Martial ICO Capt James Rowe
Sorry about that Sir,
I was going off of a phone number provided to me by the defense, and when it matched a Maj Steve Ford in the GAL I assumed the defense had done their homework.
The case against Capt Rowe involves allegations of sexual assault stemming from a relationship and follow on incident with a female officer stationed with him at 8th and I. I don't want to get into too many details about those facts as your testimony is really relevant to Capt Rowe's character.
Good military character is admissible in court as a defense to every and any charge under the UCMJ. The logic goes that this is allowed because the members can believe that a good Marine is unlikely to commit a crime. This is essentially where your testimony comes in. The defense contends, and you have confirmed, that you would testify that Capt Rowe has good military character and that Capt Rowe was essentially a good (or great) Marine.
For your edification, this is very common and is presented in almost every case that I have tried. That said, if you are going to be a witness I would hope (and expect) that the defense would contact you.
As for trial dates, I understand that you are (way) out of the area, but would you be able to attend a trial the week of 12 December? Of course, our command prosecuting this will fund all travel through DTS.
I look forward to the opportunity to speak to you, and thanks for the prompt response.
Very Respectfully,
Capt Peter C. Combe II
Trial Counsel
Office of the SJA, MCB Quantico
3250 Catlin Ave.
Quantico, VA 22134
Comm: (703) 784-0037 DSN: 278
Fax: (703) 784-0035 DSN: 278
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Ford [mailto:fordsk08@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 19:32
To: Combe Capt Peter C
Cc: Ford Maj Steven M; Ford Maj Stephen K
Subject: Re: Court-Martial ICO Capt James Rowe
Capt Combe,
I would reckon that the reason you got the wrong voicemail, is that you were looking up the wrong Maj Ford. I've C.c.'d my correct USMC e-mail address above.
To answer some of your assumptions below, I do know Capt James Rowe very well. I would absolutely be willing to testify on his behalf as to his good military character and his personal character. I haven't been contacted by the defense and don't know anything about the below incident to which you are referring.
I am currently in the field at Camp Fuji on mainland Japan. The best method for contacting me is via e-mail on my blackberry at my USMC account. I will have access to quality DSN after 20 Nov when back at Camp Fuji base camp.
Any background on this case you can provide would be helpful so that I know why I am providing character statements, if that makes sense. Not that it will change my experiences or character assessment of Capt Rowe; I just would like to know what I am applying my name and professional reputation against.
Semper Fires,
Maj Ford
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 18, 2011, at 6:14, "Combe Capt Peter C" <peter.combe@usmc.mil> wrote:
> Good afternoon sir,
>
> My apologies for contacting you via email, I called the number listed for you in the GAL and got a voicemail for a Maj Hodge (spelling?).
>
> I am a prosecutor at MCB Quantico. I am currently prosecuting a case involving a Capt James Rowe for a relationship and an incident that he had with former 1stLt Ariana Klay.
>
> I received your name and telephone number (the same listed in the GAL) from the defense. They have indicated that you are a potential witness to the good military character of Capt Rowe.
>
> I was hoping to have the opportunity to speak with you about your testimony (assuming the defense has spoken to you), and if possible to ascertain your availability for trial. If you would please call me at 703-784-0037 (DSN: 278-0037) I would greatly appreciate it.
>
> Thanks very much for your time.
>
> Very Respectfully,
> Peter C. Combe II
> Capt, U.S. Marine Corps
> Trial Counsel
>
> Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
> Military Justice Office
> Marine Corps Base Quantico
> 3250 Catlin Avenue
> Quantico, VA 22134
>
> Comm: (703) 784-0037 DSN: 278
> Fax: (703) 784-0035 DSN: 278
>
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