Soldiers serving with 266th Military Police Company, 8th Military Police Brigade in Basra, Iraq have been charged with misconduct during the unit’s pre-deployment training at Fort Dix in the fall of 2008.

Charges were preferred against Sgt. Gilbert Parker and Spc. Matthew Delia, July 3 and July 7, respectively. Both Soldiers are National Guardsmen activated with the 266th Military Police Company out of Manassas, Va.

While at mobilization training at Fort Dix, N.J., Parker is alleged to have committed an indecent act by filming and photographing female members of his unit while they were taking showers. Parker is also charged with conspiracy, violating a lawful general order, obstructing justice, and distributing pornography in violation of Articles 81, 92, and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The maximum authorized sentence based on the charges preferred against Parker includes confinement for 18 years, reduction to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a dishonorable discharge.

Delia is charged with conspiring with and assisting Parker, as well as distributing the videos and images in violation of Articles 81, 120 and 134, UCMJ. The maximum authorized sentence for Delia includes confinement for 12 years, reduction to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a dishonorable discharge.

The preferral of charges is the initial step in the possible prosecutions of Parker and Delia. The CID investigation of this incident is still ongoing. All Soldiers are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

MNF-I