By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net 

A 26-year-old Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marine will today be charged in connection with the alleged abuse of young people at this year’s Rangers camp in Eleuthera.

He will be arraigned on seven counts of cruelty to children and two counts of indecent assault, say police.

Police and military investigations were launched after The Tribune revealed reports of physical assaults, forced consumption of toilet water, and sexually inappropriate behaviour by a supervising officer at the camp, held from June 30 to July 19.

One parent said her son was “visibly shaken” on returning from the camp, describing his experience as “degrading” and filled with humiliating punishments.

The accused marine was initially confined to base for eight days in accordance with Defence Force regulations, then released before being returned to detention.

Defence Force Commodore Floyd Moxey told The Tribune Sunday the accused was recently handed over to police and remains in custody.

He added that the findings of an internal inquiry into the incident are expected to be completed this week.