Author Archives: Erin

The Kingdom of Bahrain, named for the “two seas” surrounding the archipelago, hosts the Naval Support Activity Bahrain – a US Naval base. Bahrain itself is a fascinating mix of Bahraini nationals, American and British military, and immigrants. Immigrants make up approximately 45% of the population – some came to Bahrain to work in the oil and gas industry… and some came to support a burgeoning and more illicit trade. It’s an unfortunate but seemingly universal truth that where there are oil fields and military bases, the sex trade usually follows. For Calvin Halfacre, with the might of the American dollar behind him, the allure of commercial sex was too much to resist.

I used the appellate court opinion: NMCCA

And referenced information from:

CAAF (1)(2), GDN Online, Navy Times (1)(2)(3)(4), Unicourt, Zillow, Duval County Records, Parents for Megans Law, Military.com, Defense Culture, CIA World Factbook, NSA Bahrain, Navsea, the State Department, DBpedia.org, Magill.ie, and UScourts.gov

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music · I Heart · Audacy

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming!

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

Accessing reliable childcare in the United States is already challenging, and the under and unemployment of military spouses create a system that assumes the non-military spouse will stay home with any children. A divorce throws that arrangement out of equilibrium, and the lack of family support, wherever someone is stationed, can lead to some… creative solutions. Petty Office Nicholas Rivet solved that problem by moving his girlfriend and her children in. He didn’t account for how the tight living arrangement would try the children’s sleep schedules… and his patience.

I used the appellate court opinion: Florida

And referenced information from:

Change.org (1)(2), Jacksonville.com (1)(2)(3), News4Jax (1)(2), My Military Lawyers, Youtube, Florida Department of Corrections, WOKV (1)(2), The Washington Times, Justice Coalition, and the Duval County Clerk’s Office.

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music · I Heart · Audacy

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming!

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

In my first year of law school, I sat with my classmates in the school’s common area. We were full of nerves, still trying to figure out who was a friend and who was going to hide the books in the library to try and get a competitive edge. A weary third-year law student spotted us and approached with sage advice. She looked me dead in the eyes and told me to take the money and run – to Paris, to Prague, it didn’t matter where. She just wanted me to save myself from law school. I love learning so the advice didn’t call to me. But Lieutenant Kevin Furth, staring down the barrel of jump school with the Army, decided to do just that… to take the money and run.

I used the appellate court opinions:

ACCA, CAAF

And referenced information from:

Furth’s Appellate Brief, Court Listener, CAAFlog, UCMJ Defense, Army Pubs, Go Army, Operation Military Kids, PBS, The NY Times, Cornell, and the Vance opinion.

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music · I Heart · Audacy

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

On a sunny Southern California afternoon in March 1996, the Marines working the night shift in Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 prepared for their uniform inspection. As colleagues made sure they had the right covers, that their shoes were clean and that everything was lined up the way it should be, Sergeant Jessie Quintanilla prepared a little differently. He donned his coveralls for work, drank heavily, drove to work, and walked into the executive officer’s office concealing a pistol.

I used the appellate court opinions:
NMCCA (2), CAAF

A note: NMCCA moved their cases to a newer, lightning quick website. Not all of the cases moved correctly; there are three opinions for Quintanilla’s case listed but they all link to the same 3 page opinion. It took some digging to find a copy of the original NMCCA opinion.

And referenced information from:

San Diego Union Tribune, Death Penalty Info, IndyBay, LA Times, NY Times, AP News,  Wikipedia,  GTI Training

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music · I Heart · Audacy

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

After the booms and bangs of a Fourth of July fireworks show faded and residents of Robins Air Force base in Georgia tucked themselves into bed, one airman stalked his prey through the base, crawling behind bushes and trees, trying to get close without being seen. His camouflaged uniform kept him concealed until the last moment when he drew his knife and let himself into his friend’s home.

I used the appellate court opinions:
AFCCA (1)(2)(3)(4), CAAF (1)(2)

SCOTUS (1)(2)(3)

And referenced information from:

Murderpedia, Air force Times(1)(2), PACES Connection, the ACES Quiz, Military Law Center, and AF.mil

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music · I Heart · Audacy

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

Love may lift us up where we belong, where eagles fly, but wedding planning can drag us right back down to earth. In 2012, Air Force Captain Tyler Eppes planned his dream nuptials with his bride-to-be. The destination wedding was pricey, and he tried to find ways his dearly beloved could save a few dollars. A room block wouldn’t cut it, and Eppes pulled some strings to waive taxes in the room and fly his buddies in for free. And by pulling strings, I mean he forged documents and committed fraud. The wedding festivities were just the tip of the fraud iceberg, and in the blink of an eye, Captain Tyler Eppes went from saying “I do” in his vows to “I did” in his guilty plea hearing.

I used the appellate court opinions:
AFCCA, CAAF

SCOTUS (1)(2)(3)

And referenced information from:
Cornell Law School, Military One Source, Inspectors General, AFOSI, AF.mil (1)(2), Wikipedia.

This episode discussed prescription drug misuse. If you, or someone you know, struggle with substance use, the SAMHSA National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP, and their treatment locator is available online.

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music · I Heart · Audacy

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

In the lead up to Thanksgiving 2013, the Edwards Air Force base community prepared for the four day weekend by throwing a wild party. The mission was clear: wear anything but clothes, play drinking games, rage.

But some party attendees took that final piece a little… too literally.

Neighbors called security forces to report a loud crashing sound and screaming that woke them around 6 AM. Security forces arrived to find a vomit streaked car and a woman clinging to life.

I used the appellate court opinions:
AFCCA, CAAF

Appellate Brief

And referenced information from:
Edwards AF Base, Military.com, Reuters, Military One Source, BAC Calculator, Wikipedia 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-SAFE) to find resources and support in your area. Additional resources, by state, are available on womenshealth.gov.

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music · I Heart · Audacy

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

In the wake of online posts containing national secrets, the Department of Defense scrambled to identify and contain a leak. They knew it was likely one of their own, and they began to look for potential insider threats. What they found would be a shocking abuse of the trust placed in a young man they thought they knew. And if you’re thinking this is about the arrest of an Air National Guardsman on April 13th, 2023… you’d be wrong.

I used the appellate court opinion
NMCCA

CAAF Appeal (1)(2), and the charge sheet, and the case study (1)(2)

And referenced information from:
Syracuse.com, ABC News (1)(2), NY Post, Military News, Britannica, CBS News, the NY Times, Military.com (1)(2), Relias Media, Clearance Jobs, DC Security Clearance Consultants, Navy.com, Office of Personnel Management, and Stripes.

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music · I Heart · Audacy

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

Vultures get a bad rap. They’re regarded as bad omens, as harbingers of death or destruction. In reality, they’re critical to our ecosystem. Vultures dispose of the gnarliest of pathogens and toxins, including anthrax, and recycle nutrients for plants to use. They do the dirty work of cleaning up death; in the case of Lieutenant Curtis Krueger, they did the dirty work of uncovering a murder.

I relied on the appellate court opinion
CA v. Krueger

And referenced articles from:
Desert Sun (1)(2), Marine Corps Times (1)(2), NBC Los Angles. I’m happy to share additional information about vultures in Joshua Tree, enlisting at 17, human trafficking, and human smuggling.

If you see warning signs of human trafficking, or if you are a victim of trafficking seeking support, the National Human Trafficking Hotline is available at 1-888-3737-888. This can be used to report suspected human trafficking, or to access local services. Please add this number to your contacts list so you have it if you need it.

This episode discussed addiction to prescription drugs. If you, or someone you know is struggling with substance use, the SAMHSA National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP and their treatment locator is available online.

Lastly, although Lt. Krueger treated suicidal ideation as a convenient excuse for his disappearances, Legal Beagles know it’s a serious matter. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always available online and by phone (Dial 988). They even offer a specific Veteran Crisis Line online and by phone (Dial 988 and press 1).

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google · Amazon Music

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

You might imagine that the sound of freefall is relatively quiet. Being 2 miles above the birds, traffic noises, and other day-to-day auditory interruptions, all you hear is the sound of the wind rushing past you as you reapproach the earth.

It’s in that moment when you open your parachute and you experience lift that the world finally goes quiet. Sergeant Herrmann was tasked with inspecting parachutes and ensuring that, if someone’s main parachute failed, the reserve chutes worn by paratroopers would work… their last line of defense against gravity. It’s a potentially life or death task… and one Sergeant Herrmann chose to skip.

I relied on the court opinions:
ACCA; CAAF; Government’s CAAF Brief; Gutierrez; White; Civilian Appellate Counsel Briefs (1)(2); SCOTUS history (1)(2).

And referenced articles about the T-11 Reserve Parachute, Army Jump School, Operation Toy Drop

Links to Listen:

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I’m a practicing attorney, I don’t do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.