...who continued, “When I was in the military, there was never any question regarding my conduct and I received the highest ranking possible as an officer even after this period.”
Greason spoke to the Independent in response to charges made against him in Nov. 1996 by a female enlisted soldier who claimed that Greason had acted inappropriately in her presence while both were stationed at Fort Polk, La., in 1994.
Still affiliated with the military, she has asked that her name not be released in this account. At the time, she was acting as the driver for then-Lieutenant Greason. In a 1996 sworn statement, she claims that she drove him to oversee the construction of a helicopter pad. Attempting to catch some sleep while both were waiting in the vehicle, she claims to have awoken to find that Greason had exposed his genitals and appeared to be fondling himself. At this point the driver said that she exited the vehicle, handed him some baby wipes and asked him not to soil the vehicle.
The driver told the Independent that she reported the incident to her master sergeant within a week of the incident at the insistence of her sister, although the 1996 statement indicates that it was reported through her sister. In either case, no formal investigation appears to have occurred until after the 1996 written statement was made and charges of obscenity and disturbing the peace were filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, which has jurisdiction over offenses at Fort Polk. Greason had already left the military by December 1996 when he was notified of the charges.
Greason's military service was recalled by Col. Gene A. DeWulf (ret.), who said, "Tag Greason is one of the finest soldiers and officers with whom I have ever had the privilege of serving. He is a proven leader who cares deeply about America and has served her well."
DeWulf went on to say, "I am fully aware of the false charges brought against Lieutenant Greason. The federal court decision to dismiss the charges obviously exonerates Tag. But more importantly, his service record is exemplary and he continued that service in the Virginia National Guard. I was his commanding officer, and I have nothing but pride and admiration for Tag's character, integrity and service to his country."
The case itself took a circuitous route through the legal system, quickly dropped from a Class A offense and later being reduced to disturbing the peace. The case was then delayed multiple times in 1997 and 1998 before being “continued without date” in January 1999. The case was eventually dismissed in 2006 after an apparent lull in any active prosecution.
Greason's attorney, Charles King, believes that the delay speaks to the weakness of the case, saying, “The military has no tolerance for officers who behave inappropriately towards subordinates and the Justice Department doesn’t continue—and continue eight times—a criminal case where there is any credible evidence.”
“This is a textbook case of a specious claim,” King continued, “It’s made long after the fact, accused everyone of everything, and comes from someone with a grievance.”
In her 1996 statement, the driver does relate a series of incidents that occurred while stationed at Fort Polk—including harassment by the men of her platoon and two non-commissioned officers. She also related a hostile incident with the wife of a co-worker.
For her part, the driver has not wavered in her position that the event did occur and that Greason did act inappropriately in her presence, but she has not let it impact her life since her time at Fort Polk.
“It’s something in the past,” she reminded the reporter when questioned. “I don’t blame the military. It was the people involved,” she said.
However, speaking to the Independent, she expressed her concern for Greason and her hopes that an incident that occurred 15 years ago would not “hurt any good work that he’s doing now.”
A West Point graduate, Greason has indicated that he will continue his campaign for the House of Delegates.
“This was a false charge,” concluded Greason. “I’m happy to resume the campaign as we have, based on the issues.” Greason is currently engaged in a competitive race against incumbent Del. David Poisson. With future control of the House of Delegates in question, delegate races are certain to be hard-fought throughout the Commonwealth during this election cycle.
Republicans control the House by a relatively narrow margin; the 32nd District has been under close scrutiny by members of both state parties with Republicans hoping that a Greason win would either grant his party stronger control in the House of Delegates or blunt any Democratic gains elsewhere.
It remains to be seen how much impact this particular incident—a 15-year-old charge dismissed by the court—will have on the election results.
Dorry Samuels assisted in the research on this article.
Wow. This is damning for Greason. His candidacy is over.