A Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County is facing a preliminary hearing, after a 14-year-old girl was found on the base on June 28. The girl had been reported missing since June 13 and was discovered by military police in the Marine barracks in late June. A Marine faces charges related to an alleged sexual assault of a minor, as well as violating liberty restriction from a prior, unrelated case, as reported by CBS8.
Adding another layer of concern to the case, the girl's family claims she has learning disabilities and could not have given consent for her actions. The family is demanding a transparent investigation into the incident, seeking to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) is conducting the investigation, as Camp Pendleton is federal property, Fox 5 San Diego reported. During the preliminary hearing, the command is set to review the charges and evidence to decide whether the case should proceed to a court-martial, CBS San Diego adds.
The girl's aunt said her niece was sold to a Marine for sex, and the family issued a public plea for answers and transparency on the case. Although an as-of-now unidentified Marine was taken into custody for questioning, no charges were filed against him at that time. He was released to his command pending the outcome of the NCIS investigation, according to CBS 8.
In addition to the NCIS investigation, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department is conducting a separate investigation into the girl's disappearance, adding to the complexity of the case as multiple jurisdictions and authorities could play a role.
Per Hoodline San Diego reporting, Captain Chuck Palmer of the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Logistics Group previously confirmed that a Marine was taken into custody and questioned by the NCIS about his involvement with the girl.
The teenager is now back home with her family in Spring Valley, as reported by CBS8, but the search for justice continues. The girl's aunt, Cassandra Perez, urges the public to join their call for transparency and accountability: “We hope you would join us in calling and demanding both release of details, as well as the pursuit of justice," Perez told NBC News.
