Navy Officer Guilty of Sex Harassment

The second-ranking officer at the Navy Submarine Base on Point Loma was convicted by court-martial of maltreating and assaulting three women sailors.

A seven-member military jury returned the verdict in the sexual harassment case Friday night after deliberating for five hours.

Cmdr. John A. Boyar was acquitted of one count of sexual harassment, one count of assault and two charges of conduct unbecoming an officer. He was fined $1,600 and received an official reprimand as well as a loss of seniority that hurts his chances for promotion.

“I’m not shocked or surprised. That’s the way life is now in the Navy,” said Boyar, a 27-year Navy veteran. “I’ll tell you this; I’ll never again attend another social function where there’s female Navy officers or enlisted women attending. If you smile at somebody today, it’s all over.”

Boyar was convicted on four of the five sexual harassment counts involving allegations that he proposed sexual intercourse to Lt. j.g. Angela Bartosik, 24; sexually harassed Lonnie Miller Flaugh, 21, on two occasions, and Seaman Elaine Antonucci, 20, once. The offenses occurred at various social functions.

Guilty on 3 of 4 Counts

He was found guilty on three of the four assault counts for offensively touching Bartosik’s knee, fondling Flaugh’s leg and later grabbing and kissing Flaugh at a base picnic.

“It’s a sad day in the Navy,” said Lt. Frank Carber, who prosecuted the case. “There is no glee when one of our officers has fallen.”