Coast Guard Academy Dismisses Two Cadets After Arrests

New London — The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has dismissed two cadets who were arrested in separate incidents in the fall.

The decisions follow administrative investigations and hearings for the two cadets, John K. Miller, 20, and Steve Schimmel, 21.

“Young people are going to make mistakes in this training environment. We know they are,” said Chief Warrant Officer David M. French, an academy spokesman. “Some mistakes are learning experiences. Others can prevent individuals from becoming Coast Guard officers.”

Miller is accused of sexually assaulting a person at a party and preventing the victim from leaving the room at the Navy Lodge on Nov. 12. Groton town police charged him with third-degree sexual assault, unlawful restraint and breach of peace. Police said Miller was among a group of people who had rented rooms at the lodge and were partying.

Schimmel is accused of forcing his way on Oct. 29 into the house of a couple who said he was intoxicated at the time. New London police charged him with second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree criminal mischief and breach of peace. He is scheduled to appear Thursday in New London Superior Court.

Neither Schimmel nor Miller was charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice because they are being prosecuted by civilian authorities.

Additional details at The Day.