Navy aide retained amid warnings
Admiral waited before firing spokesman accused of misconduct
A Navy commander accused of sexual misconduct while dressed as Santa Claus at a boozy party inside the Pentagon was allowed to stay on as spokesman for the Navy’s top admiral despite written warnings that the commander was a sexual predator, USA TODAY learned.
Cmdr. Chris Servello, 41, was accused by fellow officers and a civilian of making unwanted sexual passes and slapping a woman on the buttocks while dressed as Santa at the office Christmas party for Navy public affairs officials in 2016, documents obtained by USA TODAY show.
Servello was not reassigned as spokesman for Adm. John Richardson, the chief of Naval Operations, until mid-August, weeks after USA TODAY sought documents on the incidents and the investigation. Capt. Peter Hudson, who completed his initial inquiry Dec. 21, made plain that Servello should be shipped out.
“I recommend that CDR Ser- vello be immediately reassigned to a billet with no supervisory responsibilities and with dedicated oversight,” Hudson wrote.
Servello said in a statement to USA TODAY that naval investigators did not recommend that criminal charges be issued against him.
“I have cooperated fully with all investigations conducted by the Navy,” Servello said. “Ultimately, the allegations were unproven, and charges were not filed. I should have never put myself into a situation where my judgment or my military bearing could be called into question. I deeply regret this and have been held to account for my decision making. Indeed, the overall effect of the administrative counseling makes it highly unlikely that my career will recover.”
Hudson’s report was sent to Vice Adm. James Foggo, director of the Navy Staff, and a Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigation in the matter was completed in the spring.
The incident is the latest in a string of embarrassing and deadly incidents for the Navy. It has been rocked by the Fat Leonard bribery scandal, which saw offi- cers exchange classified information to a defense contractor in exchange for lavish dinners and accommodations and prostitutes. At sea, two of the Navy’s premier combat ships, the USS Fitzgerald and John S. McCain, collided with commercial vessels in separate incidents in June and August, killing 17 sailors.
Richardson said in a statement that he waited until the legal process played out to protect Servello and his alleged victims. Then he fired Servello.
“I followed the prosecutor’s recommendations to the letter, imposing several adverse measures including dismissing Cmdr. Servello from the staff and reassigning him to a non-supervisory position,” Richardson said. “I was advised by legal counsel throughout, and due process was strictly followed to safeguard both the dignity and safety of the complainants and the rights of Cdr. Servello.”
The case highlights the struggle the military has had in policing sexual harassment and misconduct among the ranks, especially by the military’s most senior officers. In March, Richardson authored a message to commanders across the Navy to be on the lookout to stamp out sexual harassment and assault.
“Make it clear that individuals who can’t live up to our professional standards in competence and character are not welcome in our Navy,” Richardson wrote.
The failure of the Navy and Richardson to act on the initial findings of investigators drew the ire of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, DN.Y., and a member of the Armed Services Committee. Gillibrand, who has advocated for changes to the way military justice system handles sexual assault, called for an independent investigation of Richardson’s actions by the Pentagon inspector general.
“This is an example of a com- mander who is aware of the allegations, aware of findings of predatory behavior and does nothing,” Gillibrand said. “I certainly think this individual, Servello, should be fired, and he should not be allowed to continue to serve. I do not believe that Adm. Richardson handled this case appropriately. There should be an I.G. investigation to see how he actually made his decisions.”
The office Christmas party Dec. 16 triggered the investigation, and Servello’s reassignment, nine months later.
The account of the events is drawn from Hudson’s memo, NCIS reports and sworn statements of witnesses that were obtained by USA TODAY. The Navy denied USA TODAY’s request under the Freedom of Information Act to expedite the release of reports related to the incident. The Navy said Thursday it could take 12 weeks until they are released.
Servello told investigators he’d had four drinks, including a shot of Fireball whiskey.
A senior civilian woman in the office told investigators she wanted them to know how he treated her but did not want the issue pursued further.
“Servello, who was dressed as Santa Claus, slapped her on the buttocks without her consent,” according an NCIS document.
“This is an example of a commander who is aware of the ... findings of predatory behavior and does nothing.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.