RAF LAKENHEATH, England — Three airmen arrested for involvement in an alleged drug ring that pedaled Ecstasy and marijuana at two United Kingdom bases have been charged, Air Force officials said Thursday.
A fourth airman previously entered a guilty plea for his role and was sentenced at a court-martial, authorities said.
The charges are the result of a probe by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations that focused on the dormitories at the 48th Fighter Wing throughout 2006. The investigation culminated in an undercover sting in September that netted 10 airmen and alleged narcotics, according to Air Force public affairs.
Airman Basic Anthony Skervin of the 48th Component Maintenance Squadron, was charged Thursday with wrongfully using Ecstasy and marijuana on several occasions between March 1 and Sept. 6, 2006, around RAF Lakenheath. Skervin has also been charged with “overindulgence in intoxicating liquor or drugs incapacitating him in the proper performance of his duties,” according to Air Force records.
Airman Ronald Moore Jr. of the 48th Medical Support Squadron, and Airman David Murphy of the 48th Dental Squadron, were charged Thursday with two counts of using Ecstasy and marijuana on several occasions between March 1 and Sept. 6, 2006, at or near RAF Lakenheath, authorities said.
Skervin, Moore and Murphy are slated for courts-martial either this month or soon after, according to Maj. Beth Horine, spokeswoman for the 48th Fighter Wing.
Earlier this year, Senior Airman Christopher Givens of the 48th Maintenance Squadron, pleaded guilty in a summary court-martial to using Ecstasy several times between Sept. 1 and Sept. 6, 2006, on RAF Lakenheath, according to the 48th Fighter Wing’s public affairs office. He was sentenced Feb. 2 to 21 days’ confinement and reduction in rank to airman basic.
Meanwhile, additional charges are expected against six other airmen, including one from nearby RAF Mildenhall, Horine said. Twelve individuals were initially under investigation, but two were not charged, she said.
In October 2002, 27 United Kingdom airmen were questioned about the use and distribution of illegal drugs including Ecstasy. At least two airmen ultimately faced a court-martial after that investigation.
