Conduct Unbecoming: A Military True Crime Podcast

Stop me If you’ve seen A Few Good Men. A group of servicemembers sneak into a soldier’s bedroom in the middle of the night to do a bit of corrective action. When day breaks miles away from American shores, a mysterious death nearly gets papered over, ignored, or under investigated. But four servicemembers serving in Africa failed to learn any lessons from Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Kevin Bacon. When they perceived social slights and felt ignored by their buddy, they took it upon themselves to correct him.  In the process of teaching Army Staff Sergeant Logan Melgar a lesson on social graces, his friends killed him. I relied on the NMCCA opinion and a redacted portion of the record. I referenced information from DeDolph's charge sheet, Matthews' charge sheet, a court martial report regarding a resentencing, and an article from Stripes. There are a lot of salacious articles out there, so I kept it to sources I trust.     Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

I’ve left mission-driven non-profit jobs twice. It was really emotionally taxing to leave jobs that I really believed in once upon a time--I was so committed to the mission in both instances, and had been so full of hope that I would make a difference when I started. My experiences, naturally, shaped my beliefs around mission-driven work, and I’ve concluded that people don’t leave mission-driven work because they no longer believe in the mission. People leave mission-driven work because they no longer believe in the organization.  But I’ve left these jobs voluntarily and haven’t experienced being removed from mission-driven work against my will. For Brandon Walters, being forced out of his mission-driven work following a psychiatric disorder diagnosis was simply untenable. So, he hatched a plan to try and make his Air Force colleagues regret letting him go. I relied on the Fifth Circuit opinions. (2003, 2007, 2009) I referenced information from My Plain View (1)(2), Wikipedia, UPI.com, War on the Rocks, and The Free Library. More information about the hand transplant is available. (1)(2)(3)(4)   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

If you are old enough to remember the foibles of a certain President around the turn of the millennia, you’re likely familiar with the phrase, “it’s not the crime, it’s the cover up.” For Corporal Laurean, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, this was undoubtedly true.  Laurean likely committed either sexual assault or adultery... but his coverup made him a murderer. I relied on the North Carolina appellate opinion. I referenced information from the Supreme Court of North Carolina, Murderpedia, WRAL (1)(2), ABC, CBS, YouTube (1)(2), Leatherneck.com, CNN, and Modbee.com. This episode involved discussion of sexual assault. There are a number of resources available for survivors and victim of sexual assault, including the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). They offer a free, confidential national sexual assault hotline at 800-656-HOPE as well as an online chat option.   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

I don’t think anyone would accuse me of having good luck when it comes to my checked luggage making it with me on trips. I’ve had a number of suitcases driven up days after my arrival. Most recently, our luggage on our move from Japan went to Washington DC while we… went to Austin, Texas. It all worked out, mostly because of incredible people that love us and intervened to take care of us, our sweet pup, and our baggage. When I travel, I have two very big competing instincts. I am, in the depths of my soul, a human who wants to bring ALL OF THE THINGS to all of the places. But, my luck necessitates I travel exclusively with a carry on.  When Lt. Col. Baba received orders overseas to continue his work as a pharmacist, he definitely erred on the side of taking more than he needed and tossed in some expired prescription medicine. After arriving, though, he found his personal pharmaceutical stash was insufficient and decided to just… take what he thought he needed. I relied on the ACCA opinion. I referenced information about the Department of Defense COVID policies, hydroxychloroquine, Camp Arifjan, drug schedules, officer dismissals, Kuwaiti travel, and proper disposal of prescription drugs. This episode discussed prescription drug misuse. If you, or someone you know, struggle with substance use, the SAMHSA National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP, and their treatment locator is available online.   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

Captain Brown arrived at Minot Air Force Base some time before June 2012 and although Air Force duty station assignments are short, he was determined to make the most of his stint in North Dakota. Even in places where the cost of living might be less, it can be helpful to pick up a second stream of income and Brown wasn’t going to be left behind.  He had his choice of side hustles - he could join the underemployed military spouses and shill wax melts, essential oils or supplements. But Captain Brown wasn’t interested in your average multilevel marketing opportunities. He wanted to sell something that appealed to him, that might appeal to other men. And he settled on selling people for sex. I relied on the AFCCA opinions (2017)(2018)(2023), the Ninth Circuit opinion and oral argument.. I referenced information from the Air Force Times, USA Today, Providence Journal, Minot Times, a directory of Ward County high schools. More information on habeas corpus petitions is available on the ACLU's website.   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

In the old cobblestone streets of Mons, Belgium, Lieutenant Becker and his wife had an opportunity to start fresh. They were thousands of miles from their family and friends and, when faced with the stress of moving overseas, they could either lean on one another… or separate. When it became clear that leaning on one another wasn’t an option, they began to unpick their lives and separate from one another. But for Lieutenant Becker, his wife living separately wasn’t an option. I relied on the NMCCA opinions (2021)(2023), the CAAF opinion (2021), and a portion of the certified record of trial. You can also find the case summaries (1)(2) and oral argument (1)(2) for a deeper dive. I referenced information from the Navy Times, an evidence law blog, Military.com, Stripes, Daily Mail, and the San Diego Union Tribune. For more information on intimate partner violence, I urge you to explore Alliance For Hope and their Family Justice Center Alliance. If you need help finding shelter in your area, please visit DomesticShelters.org. Last, but not least, many law schools and courthouses offer free legal assistance for people seeking protective restraining orders.   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

It's a tale as old as time: boy meets girl, boy beats girl. One in four women experience domestic or intimate partner violence, but it's a statistic that may be a little misleading. It certainly doesn't mean that one in four men commit domestic violence.  Staff Sergeant Daddario, for instance, got violent with at least three women in under a year. I relied on the AFCCA opinion and brief. I referenced information from Hill Air Force Base, Diesel Tech Magazine, CAWC.org, the VA's mental health website, the Rules for Courts-Martial, and Alliance For Hope. For more information on intimate partner violence, I urge you to explore Alliance For Hope and their Family Justice Center Alliance. If you need help finding shelter in your area, please visit DomesticShelters.org. Last, but not least, many law schools and courthouses offer free legal assistance for people seeking protective restraining orders.   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

While I was in college, our sorority traveled for an out-of-town vaguely sporty event held on the beaches of Santa Barbara, California. We were assigned a coach from the host organization who somehow knew even less about the sport than we did and whose sole task seemed to be encouraging us to drink alcohol. It was seven AM. When we arrived at the venue, it was kind of a relief to discover a series of rent-a-fence panels blocking participants from accessing the surf. We watched one attendee's absolute meltdown because she was not permitted beyond the fence and into the water. Fortunately, She had a firm rule imposed on the event: no drunk people in the ocean. Seamen Tucker and Kelch were not so lucky. I relied on the CGCCA opinion. I referenced articles from Stripes, Navy Times (1)(2), WHSV, the San Diego Union Tribune, CBS (1)(2), Alaska Public, KUCB, Task and Purpose, and Military.com. I also referenced Article 134 of the UCMJ.   To support families like the Kelch Family, please consider the Coast Guard Foundation.   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.

Before we got hitched, married friends of ours sat us down and warned us about the perils of moving in with one another. They described the challenges they faced when they first moved in together and it was only after they worked through the stressors of change that they felt confident enough to tie the knot. I give a similar chat to friends who are getting serious in relationships, but I’ve tailored it. I tell people that if they can build flat pack furniture together without anyone crying or shouting, they’re probably going to be alright. And maybe that’s the danger of rushed military marriages: young enlisted servicemembers must live in the fully furnished barracks.  No living together. No flat pack furniture.  Disaster.   I relied on the ACCA opinions (Craig)(Thompson). I referenced articles from WSAV(1)(2), CBS News, Army Times (1)(2)(3)(4), Popular Military, AP News, AJC, RMDA, Task and Purpose, Savannah Now, and Coastal Courier.   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.  

On Sunday mornings, we like to take our dogs for a walk to the local donut shop. It’s a nice tradition and supports a local family owned business. If you’re in the market for a Sunday morning tradition, I hope you consider ours. If that’s not your speed, I’d at least like to implore you to avoid Corporal Metz’s apparent tradition of walking into the grounds maintenance facility on base, dumping fuel throughout, lighting a match, and letting it burn. I relied on the NMCCA opinion and the parties' briefs to CAAF (1)(2). I referenced information about Article 31(b) rights.   Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.