VENTURA : Reservist Held Over Failure to Report

A Ventura man has been taken into custody by Navy officials for failing to report to duty in the Persian Gulf two months ago, authorities said.

Richard Lyons, who joined the reserves in 1985, reported for active duty at Point Mugu Naval Air Station on Jan. 14 and requested an exemption because of financial hardship, Petty Officer Joe Parker said.

The request was denied, and Lyons later said he wanted to seek status as a conscientious objector. Navy officials in Washington ordered Lyons to first report to his squadron, which was stationed in the Persian Gulf, and then file papers as a conscientious objector, Parker said.

But Lyons, 30, did not show up for his flight on Jan. 25, and was listed as a deserter, Parker said.

Lyons was scheduled to join a helicopter squadron deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway, which was on duty in the Persian Gulf, he said. The squadron remains in the Gulf but reservists are being sent home as flights become available, Parker said.

Lyons was picked up by Ventura police officers Monday after he was stopped for a routine traffic ticket, and they discovered that he was listed as a deserter, Parker said. He was sent to Ventura County Jail while awaiting Navy authorities.

On Wednesday, he was taken to the brig at the Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego County.

Navy officials said investigators will look into the matter and then hold a court-martial.

If convicted, Lyons could face five years in federal prison, forfeiture of all Navy payments and a dishonorable discharge, Parker said.