Coast Guard Charged

A female Monterey Coast Guard member faces court-martial, and three male guardsmen have been discharged for alleged possession of marijuana and methamphetamine, according to commanding officer Lt. Marc Warren. Warren made the announcement at a press conference at the Monterey station on June 10.

According to Warren, 25-year-old Jessica Pasley was charged with possession of methamphetamine last week. Unless an agreement is reached to discharge her, the Indiana native will face a court-martial within 120 days.

The other three guardsmen were found to be in possession of marijuana. One received a discharge in lieu of court-martial. The other two received “administrative nonjudicial punishment” of 30 days confinement and extra duty before being discharged. Their names have not been released.

The results of a regular urinalysis performed as part of the military’s drug-testing program led to searches of vehicles and barracks, where the drugs were found, Warren said, adding that the city of Monterey may still pursue its own charges against the personnel.

The Weekly learned that enlisted personnel were under investigation for illegal drug use in April. At that time, Coast Guard District 11 Public Affairs Officer Roger Gayman said the situation had not affected the Coast Guard’s ability to perform its duties, and that he was not aware of any other previous incidents at the Monterey station.

“It’s unfortunate because the Coast Guard are law enforcement personnel,” Gayman said in a previous interview. “But it’s a well-known fact that drug use does affect all facets of society.” [RM]

Chautauqua Years

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History celebrates the heritage of America’s Last Hometown with a new exhibit, Chautauqua Years (1879-1926).

Featuring a weekly lecture series and the Tuttle Collection of historic photos and other artifacts, Chautauqua Years examines the formative years of Pacific Grove’s history.

“There were two driving forces for this exhibit,” says Esther Trosow, guest curator and museum archivist. “To get the Tuttle Collection in public view and to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Feast of Lanterns.”

There will be an opening reception at the museum at 7pm on June 18. For more information on the exhibit and the lectures, contact Trosow at 648-5716 ext. 17, or via e-mail at archivist@pgmuseum.org. [RM]