PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Coast Guard member charged with violating multiple articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice was sentenced Sunday during a general court martial in Norfolk, Virginia.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jerry W. Clifft, 27, pled not guilty to all charges, and was found guilty of one specification of violation of Article 107, UCMJ – False Official Statement, one specification of violation of Article 120, UCMJ – Sexual Assault, and two specifications of Article 128, UCMJ – Assault. Clifft was sentenced to four years confinement, reduction of rank to E-1, total forfeiture of pay and allowances, and a dishonorable discharge. Clifft was found not guilty of two other specifications of Article 128, UCMJ – Assault.
Vice Adm. William Lee, commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, referred Clifft’s case to general court-martial Oct. 1, 2015.
Clifft was assigned to Maritime Security Response Team Chesapeake and Maritime Force Protection Unit in Bangor, Washington, when the alleged misconduct occurred and is currently serving his sentence at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The Coast Guard is committed to building and maintaining a culture of respect, trust, and safety worthy of the women and men who sacrifice so much to ensure the safety and security of the American people.