Military Must Deal Effectively With Sexual-Harassment Cases

Jan 15, 05:55 PM

Then military and civilian authorities in Onslow County need to examine how a case alleging sexual misconduct spiraled into death and tragedy.

On Saturday, authorities discovered what they believe are the remains of Lauterbach, 20, and her unborn child in a fire pit in Laurean's backyard.

In a note to his wife, also a Marine, Laurean claims to have buried Lauterbach's body after she committed suicide. Investigators, however, say a violent confrontation inside the home claimed her life.

The 21-year-old Laurean, who later fled, reportedly was seen Sunday at a Shreveport, La., bus station.

Although military and civilian justice systems run on different tracks, they eventually intersect.

How well that happens is critically important in military- dependent cities such as Jacksonville and Fayetteville, where jurisdictional lines often blur.

In this case, Lauterbach obtained a military protective order -- similar to a restraining order -- against Laurean in July. Yet civilian authorities say they were never notified. And the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which looks into on-base crimes, apparently was unaware of the order.

Also unclear is why Laurean was allowed to continue working near Lauterbach although he was being investigated on charges of raping her. As a result, family members say, she endured harassment and went AWOL.

Friends recall Lauterbach always wanting to be a Marine. But for the military to market itself as a viable career for women, it must do more to protect them from sexual harassment -- or much worse -- at the hands of their comrades.

(c) 2008 Greensboro News Record. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved. Military Must Deal Effectively With Sexual-Harassment Cases
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