I spent 27 years at the USCG Academy from 1973 to 2000, reserve and active duty, as a CGIS special agent. From 1981to 1983, I was the full-time resident agent at the Academy (military leave) from the Connecticut State Police.

During that time, I conducted many investigations but only four sexual assaults, one for the prosecutor, three for the defense. Those four investigations were allowed only because outside agencies were involved. A change is needed.

Additionally, the prosecutor controlled the funds for the defense and he unfunded my orders while we were winning a case. On another (non sexual) investigation, I was forbidden to call the U.S. attorney for information. The academy has to stop trying to protect its image as a perfect place; these are young people who, no matter how smart, are a reflection of today’s American youth.

Earlier this year, I was interviewed by two Homeland Security agents from the Inspector General’s office in Mystic, but since then, no contact. My personnel opinion is that the military needs a reporting mandate for everyone involved in sexual assault cases: victims, witnesses and the accused, and then meaningful punishment is imposed.

James Lee Miller

Salem