Freyne in print today drops a bombshell story that's been simmering in and around Guard circles (and on the edge of the media) for more than a year now:The letter arrived in my mailbox last Thursday without a signature or return address. It was addressed to Peter Welch and yours truly...
“I am sending you both letters because I cannot believe how Martha Rainville lies to the people of this state. She talks about integrity and running a clean campaign, when, in fact, she didn’t run the Guard with integrity.
“There is currently an investigation being conducted by the Guard about one of their officers that Martha protected constantly — Martha even broke military rules to protect this officer.”
“Now, six months after Martha is gone, this officer’s actions are being questioned and for good reason. This officer broke several military rules. The officer was providing homemade pornography to Guard members, Martha heard about it, took the evidence and destroyed it without taking any actions against the officer.”
“Now the Guard is conducting the investigation. Indeed, our sources indicate an investigation is very much underway, and pornography — locally produced porn movies involving Guard members — is involved. Of particular concern, we’re told, is that the sexual activity crossed the lines of rank. That is a big “no-no” in the military.
Again, this story has been out there for some time, and it has been associated with a very high profile Guard member with direct ties to Rainville, but up until now it's all been based on anonymous letters, which simply do not merit putting someone's reputation in jeopardy. If Freyne has indeed confirmed that an actual investigation is underway, the name will likely come out soon enough (sorry folks, I ain't gonna share).
And just to be clear, while the porn thing may be eye-catching, it's the UCMJ lawbreaking that's at issue and any subsequent Rainville coverup. It clearly bothered some Guard members enough to start sending letters. I'm sure all of us will be checking with our Guard sources for more details on this all day (I know I will!). |
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