Melaku’s administrative separation

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

06.23.2011

Courtesy Story

Communication Directorate             

WASHINGTON – The leadership of 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve will process Marine Corps reservist, Lance Cpl. Yonathan Melaku, for administrative separation.

Melaku was charged with grand larceny, an alleged misconduct considered to be a serious offense under Marine Corps Separations Manual.

The leadership became aware after the larceny charges were widely reported in the news when Melaku was detained Friday, June 17, by the United States Park Service for trespass in Arlington National Cemetery at a time when the cemetery was closed.

Melaku was notified Tuesday, June 21, at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center that he will be processed for administrative separation due to charges of serious offense.

Melaku had no enlistment waivers and had no record of misconduct at his point of entry into the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps takes allegation of misconduct seriously and is working with the FBI’s investigation.

For further questions regarding administrative separation procedures, please contact Lt. Col. Francis Piccoli at [phone].

The FBI is the lead agency for the investigation. For further questions, please contact Special Agent Katherine Schweit at [phone].

• Date Taken: 06.23.2011
• Date Posted: 06.23.2011 11:07
• Story ID: 72598
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US