ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 8 (UPI) -- A U.S. Naval Academy midshipman facing expulsion from the Maryland school has appealed to members of Congress for support.
While former Navy quarterback Lamar S. Owens Jr. already had the support of numerous academy alumni, he was in Washington last week attempting to convince members of Congress to aid him in his upcoming court-martial, the Baltimore Sun said.
Last year, Owens and another former midshipman were accused of rape. Owens was acquitted of rape but convicted on two minor charges, and now faces a court-martial to determine whether he should be expelled.
A similar trial already has begun for Kenny Ray Morrison, who has been accused of raping two of his female peers in 2006.
A military aide for Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., said the Owens' visit only solidified the congressman's resolve to help the midshipman.
"Congressman Kingston has been involved in Lamar's case since the beginning," aide Jeff Glenn told the Sun. "He's written two letters to (the Navy secretary), one in the fall and one this past week, wanting to reiterate this concern that this case comes to a fair and impartial resolution, both for Midshipman Owens and for the Navy."
