In this compelling episode of Stories of Service, host Theresa Carpenter speaks with Arvis Owens, a former U.S. Navy commander who became an advocate for reform after experiencing firsthand the devastating impact of a false accusation. Arvis opens up about his journey through a flawed military justice system, shedding light on systemic issues that continue to affect service members today.
Special Guest: Arvis Owens
Arvis Owens is a 1995 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former supply officer who rose to the rank of commander. His naval career spanned deployments in Japan, assignments at the Pentagon, and service aboard a guided missile destroyer. Arvis became an advocate for reform after being falsely accused of sexual assault, convicted on one charge despite inconsistent testimony, and later removed from the sex offender registry by the state of Virginia.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Systemic Bias: Arvis describes a justice system within the military that, post-2010, placed enormous pressure on commanders to secure convictions in sexual assault cases, often at the expense of due process.
Command Influence: Promotions and political pressure influenced how cases were prosecuted, with troubling quotes from military judges and officers suggesting a presumption of guilt.
Inconsistencies and Misconduct: Despite being found not guilty on six of seven charges, Arvis's case reveals procedural failures and ignored evidence. Jury members later stated they believed in his innocence—letters that were initially "misplaced" by the Navy.
Wider Implications: Arvis shares other disturbing examples across all branches of service, highlighting how false accusations have destroyed lives, often without accountability or fair reconsideration.
Media Silence: Both Theresa and Arvis express frustration at the lack of coverage by mainstream media and prominent podcasters, raising questions about institutional reluctance to address these issues.
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This episode sheds light on a painful yet often ignored issue within the military justice system: the mishandling of false accusations. Theresa and Arvis urge listeners to sign the petition at www.change.org/unjustucmj, calling for an independent review process. They also invite those affected to share their stories and help bring balance to a conversation that has, for too long, ignored due process. With continued awareness and advocacy, they hope change is not only possible, but inevitable.
