Gunnery Sgt. According to Maj Josh Negron and Danny Draher, two of the ‘MARSOC 3′ Marines will not have their convictions for drinking while on deployment in Iraq dismissed. Gen. Matthew Trollinger, the commanding general of Marine Forces Special Operations Command. Despite being found not guilty of homicide charges related to the death of a Green Beret veteran, the soldiers’ felony convictions for violating a lawful general order remain, affecting their future employment prospects and rights, such as owning guns or voting.
Key Points:
- Gunnery Sgt. Josh Negron and Danny Draher were acquitted of major charges, including involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide, but were convicted for consuming alcohol while deployed in Iraq.
- Despite no punishment awarded by the jury, Maj. Gen. Matthew Trollinger declined to offer the Marines clemency, leaving the felony convictions in place.
- As felons, Negron and Draher may face challenges in finding employment and could lose rights like gun ownership and voting.
- The incident began on New Year’s Day 2019 when an altercation with a military contractor led to his death, though the Marines were found not guilty of charges relating to his death.
- There is the possibility of administrative actions against Draher and Negron, which could result in a reduction in grade, less-than-honorable discharge, and substantial losses in retirement income.