The former commander of the Wounded Warrior Regiment is accused of abusive sexual contact, fraternization and wrongful possession of a controlled substance and related charges, according to Marine Corps officials Installations Command.
Col. T. Shane "Rhino" Tomko, who was relieved of command in February of the Wounded Warrior Regiment on Feb. 12, 2015, faced allegations of misconduct that were due to loss of confidence in his ability to of his lead, was investigated by the ership," said Rex Runyon, a spokesman for MCICOM. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, said Rex Runyon, a spokesman for Marine Corps Installations Command.
Charges — including conspiracy to obstruct justice, violations of general orders and conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman — were investigated allegations of misconduct against Tomko and charges were preferred against Tomko him on Feb. 11, Runyon told Marine Corps Times in an email.
"It is important to note that all above charges are accusations and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty," Runyon said.
Tomko waived his Article 32, the military's equivalent of a preliminary hearing in civilian court, on March 23. Now and now the convening authority Maj. Gen. Charles Hudson, commander of Installations Command and the convening authority, ICOM, will decide what to do next, Runyon said.
The charges Tomko faces also include violations of lawful general orders, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman and obstructing justice, Runyon said in Friday’s email. The Washington Post first reported on the charges against Tomko on March 19. Further details information about the charges against Tomko were as not immediately available on Friday.
"The United States Marine Corps takes seriously all incidents and allegations involving misconduct," Runyon said on Friday. "We demand the highest standards of conduct from all our Marines at all times."
Britain's Prince Harry hugs Marine Sgt. Roderic Liggens, as first lady Michelle Obama speaks with Col. Shane Tomko at Fort Belvoir, Va., on Oct. 28.
Photo Credit: Andrew Harnik /AP
An Oct. 28 Associated Press photograph shows Tomko speaking with first lady Michelle Obama as she visited Fort Belvoir, Virginia, along with Jill Biden and Britain's Prince Harry.
