FOX News: Navy sailor accused of setting fire to billion-dollar warship denies allegations: lawyer
Lt. Col. Gary S. Barthel is representing the unnamed sailor
The sailor charged by the U.S. Navy in connection to a fire that destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard warship in 2020 has "absolutely" denied any allegation of wrongdoing in the matter, his attorney told Fox News.
The unidentified sailor, a member of the ship's crew at the time, has been accused of starting the July 12, 2020 blaze.
The charges are based on evidence collected during an investigation, Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Sean Robertson, said in a statement.
Lt. Col. Gary S. Barthel, with the Military Law Center, is representing the sailor and he told Fox News he has not seen any evidence against his client.
"It’s been an obviously difficult time for my client," Barthel said, stressing that his client is "presumed innocent."
The sailor was just charged Thursday, meaning Barthel is still early in the process of planning a defense.
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Update: Sailor Charged with Arson in Bonhomme Richard Fire Claims Innocence, Lawyer Says (Military.com)
WNU Editor: The name of the sailor who has been charged is still unknown.
