By now, most have probably heard about the relief of VADM Tim Giardina.\u00a0 Until yesterday, he was the Deputy Commander of USSTRATCOM.\u00a0 He’d been suspended from duty, but not formally relieved, since 3 Sep.\u00a0 It was announced yesterday he’d been formally relieved from his position.<\/p>\n
What you might not have heard was the reason.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know much about that \u2013 other than it was due to a \u201cgambling investigation\u201d \u2013 until today.<\/p>\n
It seems the reports that this was due to a \u201cgambling investigation\u201d are indeed true.\u00a0 Giardina apparently went to a casino in Council Bluffs, IA, and did some gambling.<\/p>\n
No issue with going to a casino; where Giardina went, casino gambling is legal.\u00a0 And it\u2019s not prohibited by the UCMJ.<\/p>\n
Except . . . it seems there might have been a bit of an issue with what went on at the casino.<\/p>\n
Giardina is alleged to have used $1,500 worth of counterfeit chips while gambling<\/a> at that casino.\u00a0 Seriously.<\/p>\n Iowa authorities have decided not to prosecute Giardina.\u00a0 The prosecutor apparently feels that – given Giardina\u2019s exemplary service record to date and the relatively small amount (in dollar terms) of the alleged crime \u2013 it wouldn\u2019t be worth the effort.\u00a0 He feels that because of those factors Giardina would likely not get any serious punishment in state court if convicted.<\/p>\n However, NCIS is continuing to examine the allegations; Giardina may end up facing charges under the UCMJ.\u00a0 If the allegations turn out to be true I personally hope he does.<\/p>\n