Jury Clears Marine in Sabotage

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — A military jury on Wednesday acquitted a Marine on charges that he sabotaged his comrades’ parachutes and caused three servicemen to be injured during a training jump. But the jury convicted him on drug charges.

A sentencing hearing got underway after the jury of six Marines reached its verdict against Cpl. Clayton A. Chaffin.

Chaffin, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, was convicted of soliciting to buy and use drugs, distributing cocaine and marijuana, and using marijuana.

Chaffin was acquitted of conspiracy, destruction of 13 parachutes, reckless endangerment, obstructing justice and assault with a means likely to produce death or grievous bodily harm.

Three Marines were injured at Camp Lejeune in September 2002 after their parachutes failed and they fell to the ground using only their reserve chutes.

A Marine spokeswoman said Wednesday that there was no apparent link between Chaffin’s alleged drug dealing and the charges that he masterminded cutting the parachute cords.

A key prosecution witness, Pvt. Antoine Boykins, said Chaffin told him to cut the suspension lines on 13 parachutes in retaliation for punishment by a superior officer. Boykins, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to tampering in August and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

During closing arguments Tuesday, a defense lawyer urged jurors to question Boykins’ credibility.

Defense lawyer Richard McNeil said Boykins was counseled for violations of military law at least six times before the parachute sabotage was discovered. McNeil added that Boykins changed his story to Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents at least six times.

Prosecutors alleged that Chaffin encouraged Boykins’ crime because both were angry at their unit, and said money problems led Chaffin to deal drugs.