2022
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
ii
FOREWORD
Reducing and preventing crime continues to be a top priority of the Department of the Navy (DON) and the
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). To remain ahead of emerging threats, we continuously mature
our processes and aggressively partner to maximize impact to the DON and more particularly the warfighter.
As the operational environment continues to evolve due to new and unprecedented criminal, social and
fiscal challenges, prioritization of resources is a practical necessity. As a top priority, NCIS continues to
focus on proactive operations and investigations targeting criminal elements impacting the physical or
emotional well-being of the warfighter, their families and the DON. NCIS investigations and operations
directly impact operational readiness and lethality of the warfighter.
Collecting crime statistics and leveraging them to explore the complex nature and scope of criminal acts
impacting the DON, serves to provide senior leaders insight into five major investigative areas directly
affecting DON assets globally, in addition to assisting in creating a proper sight picture for future strategies
to mitigate criminal activity.
This is the 19th DON Annual Crime Report (ACR) produced by the NCIS Family and Sexual Violence
Data Analytics Branch Division under the guidance of the NCIS Criminal Investigations and Operations
Directorate. This report includes a spotlight on NCIS’ efforts to combat sexual assaults, a five-year overview
of the reporting criminal trends from 2018 to 2022 within each of the five major investigative areas
(death, adult sexual assault, child sex abuse and exploitation, narcotics, and procurement fraud); a section
highlighting non-criminal fatalities and an appendix containing DON resources related to the investigative
areas. The Methodology section on page 3 is paramount in fully understanding subsequent sections, as
it identifies parameters for data collection and offenses reported within each of the investigative areas
covered.
As law enforcement reporting within the DON continues to evolve, refinement of the methods for data
collection, analysis, and presentation continue to advance NCIS’ ability to mature the critical assignment
of compiling and analyzing pertinent crime statistics. NCIS continues to innovate, evolve and integrate, to
better mitigate and neutralize threats to the DON. Partnering with both the United States Navy (USN), the
United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the external law enforcement community enables superior support
for increased operational readiness, enhanced lethality of the force and optimal performance affordability
as we “Get Real and Get Better.”
Kurt Thomas
Executive Assistant Director
NCIS Criminal Investigations & Operations
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1
2
3
4
5
5
7
9
13
17
21
23
23
25
27
27
29
INTRODUCTION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SPOTLIGHT
METHODOLOGY
OVERVIEW OF 5-YEAR CRIME TRENDS
2022 DON CRIME TRENDS
DON BREAKDOWN OF OFFENSES BY REGIONS
HOMICIDES
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
NARCOTICS
PROCUREMENT FRAUD
2022 NON-CRIMINAL FATALITIES
SUICIDES
ACCIDENTAL DEATHS
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A – DON PROGRAM RESOURCES
APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY OF TERMS
1
2
3
4
SECTION
SECTION
SECTION
SECTION
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
1
KEY FINDINGS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1
Investigations into unattended deaths within the DON are considered criminal until the manner of death is determined by the medical
examiner. In order to show general trends within DON death investigative reporting over the last several years, this report includes both criminal
and non-criminal fatalities: homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, and those in which the manner of death is pending autopsy findings. Further
analysis is provided in subsequent sections related to homicide, suicide, and accidental deaths due to the impact they have on operational
readiness within the DON.
2
Includes homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural deaths, along with deaths where the manner of death is pending autopsy findings.
NCIS proactively and aggressively confronts criminal threats to the DON, along with USN and USMC law
enforcement partners. The ACR examines criminal reporting to the DON and enables DON law enforcement
entities to focus crime reduction strategies consistent with the most salient threats to the DON. This ACR
analyzes five investigative categories: Death
1
, Adult Sexual Assault, Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation,
Narcotics, and Procurement Fraud. Below is a comparison between 2021 and 2022 reporting.
▪ Decreases were noted in Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Narcotics, and Procurement Fraud.
▪ Increases were noted in Death and Adult Sexual Assault.
▪ Reports of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation offenses saw a significant decrease in 2022.
▪ Narcotics and Adult Sexual Assault accounted for 81% of the reported offenses in this report.
▪ Domestic-abuse homicides increased in 2022 from seven deaths in 2021 to 12 in 2022.
▪ The most prevalent drugs documented were marijuana, followed by cocaine and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
2021 2022 -/+ PERCENT CHANGE
DEATH
2
299 353 +18%
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT
1,486 1,521 +2%
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE*
337 274 -19%
NARCOTICS**
2,010 1,541 -23%
PROCUREMENT FRAUD
82 80 -2%
OVERALL
4,214 3,769 -10%
* Includes Child Exploitation
** Beginning in CY21, the narcotics data was standardized in accordance with the other crime categories making the offense
count more accurate.
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
2
SECTION 1
| INTRODUCTION
SPOTLIGHT:
3
22 USC Ch. 78: Trafficking Victims Protection. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title22/chapter78&edition=prelim,
Viewed April 26, 2023.
4
DOJ Press Release, Enlisted Sailor Stationed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana Sentenced To 38 Years for Producing Files Depicting the
Sexual Victimization of Children, Including Through Extortion. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/enlisted-sailor-stationed-belle-chasse-
louisiana-sentenced-38-years-producing-files. Viewed April 26, 2023.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE IMPORTANCE
OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS
Human trafficking is the commercial exploitation of a person wherein any sex act or labor or service is compelled.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA, 22 U.S.C. Ch. 78) outlines severe forms of human trafficking as
the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision of, or obtaining a person; utilizing force, fraud, or coercion
to gain compliance. Sex trafficking involves a sex act in exchange for anything of value. In addition to money, this
may include food, shelter, clothes, gifts, gift cards, and narcotics. Labor trafficking involves involuntary servitude,
peonage, debt bondage, and slavery. Commercial sex acts or sexual services involving a person under the age of
18 do not need to involve force, fear, or coercion since children are legally unable to consent sexual services.
3
Most of the sex trafficking incidents identified are discovered through proactive investigative efforts related to
child exploitation or pandering and prostitution. Commercial sexual services may be advertised or conducted
under the guise of escort services or massage services. These activities target the demand for sex trafficking by
focusing on commercial enterprises that promote their services on-line. Other operations target on-line child
predators in social media platforms to include apps facilitating human trafficking such as those used for dating
and gaming. Labor trafficking incidents may also involve sexual services or may involve other services such as
domestic work, janitorial services, restaurants/hospitality jobs, and construction. In DON reporting, the victim
may be a contractor or subcontractor who is not being paid in accordance with their contract or was recruited for
the position under a false premise of a different job. Children may be recruited under the guise of becoming a
model or a social media influencer.
NCIS forges partnerships with law enforcement and criminal justice entities across the United States and
internationally. NCIS often initiates joint investigations with local law enforcement or other federal law enforcement
agencies. Collaborative efforts to combat crime maximizes resources, expedites response, and increases the
effectiveness of each law enforcement partner to identify and deter crime. With the influx of internet-enabled
crime, criminals are able to prey on victims in a much greater distance from their own backyard. As a result,
these law enforcement partnerships forged across jurisdictions become more important in the pursuit of justice.
NCIS partners with local, federal, and foreign law enforcement partners and the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children (NCMEC) in detecting and combating crimes against children, including human trafficking.
A great example of this collaboration is the recent prosecution of a Navy junior sailor who was sentenced to more
than 38 years in confinement for producing child sexual abuse material by means of extortion.
4
Additionally, he is
required to register as a sex offender and be on supervised release for life upon his release from prison. NCIS was
notified by local law enforcement of a victim in New York who was extorted by a sailor stationed in Louisiana to
provide nude photographs. NCIS took primary jurisdiction of the investigation and identified numerous additional
victims. Ultimately, the subject was prosecuted for violations of U.S Code for sexual exploitation of children and
transmitting interstate threats for the purpose of extorting a thing of value related to 11 victims, nine of which
were minors, across eight states plus a victim in Australia. The subject used various tactics to lure victims and
coerce them into engaging in illicit activity. He gave victims gifts and threatened them to maintain control, to
force continued participation, and to identify new potential targets via the victim’s online friend networks.
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
3
This ACR provides an overview of DON investigative offenses reported from January 1, 2022 through
December 31, 2022. Five major offense categories are examined: Death, Adult Sexual Assault, Child
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Narcotics related crimes, and Procurement Fraud. The ACR addresses
these five offense categories because of their potential to impact the quality of life, operational readiness,
and warfighting capabilities of the DON, even though other offenses are also investigated by DON law
enforcement. Specific crimes within each area are also examined, with the significant findings reported.
The Death category is unique in that an overall 5-year snapshot of all manners of death are represented.
This includes homicides, suicides, accidental and natural deaths, as well as those in which the manner
of death is pending autopsy or toxicology at the time the data in this report was compiled. A more in-
depth examination of homicides are included in Section 2, with non-criminal fatalities such as suicide and
accidental deaths highlighted in Section 3. Non-criminal fatalities, suicides and accidental deaths, are
investigated by NCIS and are explored in detail in the Appendix because they are of extreme importance to
the DON and the Department of Defense (DoD).
The DON law enforcement is comprised of NCIS, Navy, and Marine Corps Criminal Investigation Divisions
(CID), Navy Security Forces (NSF) and Marine Corps Provost Marshal’s Offices (PMO).
All DON investigative entities submit data into the Consolidated Law Enforcement Operations Center
(CLEOC). The system serves as the central repository for DON law enforcement entities to document
criminal offense data for the entire DON worldwide. For the purposes of this report, each NSF, MCPMO,
MCCID, and NCIS office is assigned to a specific Commander, Navy Installation Command region or Marine
Corps Installation region, respectively and the data is presented according to these regions in the Overview
of DON Crimes Statistics for 2022 section. It is important to note the information in this report may not be
all-inclusive due at the time the data is queried due to IT infrastructure challenges and other issues, which
may impede and/or prevent some DON law enforcement entities from contributing to CLEOC.
5
Many statistical crime reports include per capita data, which compares values among groups of different
size. This calculation was not included in this report due to varying population groups within Navy (USN)
and Marine Corps (USMC) reporting, including active duty service members, retired service members,
dependents, government and contractor employees, and civilians. Since population greatly fluctuates during
the year due to deployments, temporary duty stations, and attendance at training courses, the emphasis
remains on reported offense data.
Due to limitations in data collection and reporting, several factors should be considered when evaluating
CLEOC data. For instance, offense information may be missing or incomplete at the time of this report or
may remain unknown despite vigorous investigative efforts. Also, information may be undisclosed due to
a number of reasons, including but not limited to: victim participation, limited assistance with local law
enforcement agencies, and state laws that prevent disclosure of certain information. The following sections
delve further into the five investigative areas and highlight overall DON, USN and USMC crime trends.
5
USN law enforcement reporting into CLEOC is not all-inclusive and may not represent the total number of offenses occurring within the USN
branch of the DON.
METHODOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
4
SECTION 1
| INTRODUCTION
TOTAL NUMBER OF DON OFFENSES FROM 2018 - 2022
DON OFFENSES BY CRIME CATEGORY FROM 2018 - 2022
6
Beginning in CY21, the narcotics data was standardized in accordance with the other crime categories making the offense count more accurate,
which has contributed to the reduction in the overall number offenses counted for this report.
7
Death data includes homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural deaths, along with deaths where the manner of death is pending autopsy
findings.
Below depicts the crime offense categories of death, adult sexual assault, child sexual abuse and exploitation,
narcotics, and procurement fraud reported over the last five years, to include a breakout by crime category.
OVERVIEW OF 5-YEAR CRIME TRENDS
2018 2019
2022
2020 2021
4,884
4,997
5,234
4,214
3,769
4000
5000
6000
394
20222021202020192018
137
164
80
82
165
325
302
312
353
299
390
337
274
337
2,610
2,603
1,541
2,658
1,558
1,761
1,521
1,486
1,399
2,010
AVERAGE/YEAR: 4,620
PROCUREMENT FRAUD: 126*
DEATH: 318*
Includes Child Exploitation
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: 346*
NARCOTICS: 2,284*
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT: 1,545*
*AVERAGE/YEAR
OFFENSES
6,7
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
5
COMMANDER, NAVAL INSTALLATION COMMANDS (CNIC)
DON BREAKDOWN OF OFFENSES BY USN AND USMC REGIONS
2022 DON CRIME TRENDS
The next five sections will provide a 5-year summary of each crime topic area and highlight each with more specific
trends with respect to the offenses reported in 2022.
200
400
600
800
900
Marianas
Korea
Japan
Hawaii
Europe/Africa/Central
Southwest
Southeast
Northwest
Naval District Washington
Mid-Atlantic
700
500
300
100
DEATH
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
NARCOTICS
PROCUREMENT FRAUD
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
6
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
MARINE CORPS INSTALLATION COMMANDS (MCICOM)
100
200
300
400
500
600
National Capital
Region
MARFORCOM
MC West
MC Pacific
MC East
DEATH
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
NARCOTICS
PROCUREMENT FRAUD
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
7
GUNSHOT WOUND, 58%
18 VICTIMS
STABBING, 16%
2 VICTIMS
BLUNT FORCE
TRAUMA, 26%
5 VICTIMS
2022 DON HIGHLIGHTS
FIVE-YEAR DON HOMICIDE OFFENSES
HOMICIDES
8
The chart indicates the most common causes
10
of homicides
in the DON, most of which were caused by gunshot wounds.
▪ Firearms were the most common weapon used in DON
reporting, which is similar to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
program data.
▫ In 2021, firearms were the most common types of weapons
utilized in homicides in the U.S. at 79%.
11
TOP 3 CAUSES OF DEATH FOR 2022 DON HOMICIDES
8
Although not all manners of death are considered criminal in nature (e.g., suicide, accidental and natural), the 2022 DON Overview will
provide the general death trends with a more detailed look at homicides in the remainder of this section. A subsequent section will focus on
the non-criminal fatalities of suicide and accidental death.
9
Includes homicide deaths where the victim was related to the suspect, as well as suicide deaths in which the evidence revealed the victim’s
death had domestic-related issues as a contributing factor.
10
GSW refers to Gunshot Wound and BFT refers to Blunt Force Trauma.
11
FBI, Crime Data Explorer https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#. Viewed July 18, 2023.
▪ Homicides increased 68% from 2021.
▪ 44% of homicides were domestic related.
9
▪ 29 of 32 occurred off-base.
▪ In 2022, there were five child abuse fatalities due to homicide and two in
2021. All victims were under the age of two.
68%
INCREASE FROM 2021
2018 2019 20222020 2021
14
12
23
9
18
14
11 11
7
8
AVERAGE/YEAR: 25
USN
USMC
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
8
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
2022 USN AND USMC KEY FINDINGS
USN
USMC
18
HOMICIDE DEATHS
6
Domestic abuse-related homicide cases, one
involving a murder-suicide.
4
(All) of the murder-suicides were between
intimate partners.
0
Homicides occurred on-base.
2
(11%) of homicides involved alcohol or drugs.
14
HOMICIDE DEATHS
6
Domestic abuse-related homicides.
0
Murder-suicides within the USMC.
3
Homicides were on-base. 2 within barracks
rooms and 1 within an on-base residence.
2
of the homicides involved child fatalities.
3
(21%) of homicides involved alcohol or drugs.
USN
CIVILIAN GATE RUNNING SUBJECT SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER IN THE DEATH OF
USN SECURITY FORCES MASTER AT ARMS
On February 22, 2022, a civilian was sentenced to 10 years for Manslaughter in the death of a USN
Security Forces Master-at-Arms Second Class (MA2). On November 30, 2019, the civilian subject drove
through the outbound lane located at Gate 8 of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, VA at a
high rate of speed. Gate security attempted to stop him but he continued onto the installation. Fort Story
Precinct Security officers responded to the call of a gate runner. The subsequent pursuit resulted in a head-
on collision with the MA2’s patrol vehicle. Both drivers were rushed to Virginia Beach General Hospital
where the MA2 succumbed to his injuries sustained in the crash.
USMC
USMC LANCE CORPORAL SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS CONFINEMENT FOR NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE
On May 11, 2022, a USMC Lance Corporal (LCpl) was sentenced to 30 months confinement, reduction
to E-1, and dishonorable discharge for a violation of UCMJ Article 134, Negligent Homicide at a General
Court Martial at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. On July 24, 2021, the LCpl was driving at a high rate
of speed when he crashed into a metal shipping container located on the shoulder of the road. The impact
was so great that the shipping container moved approximately 10 feet from its original location. The front
passenger compartment of the vehicle was crushed from the impact. A USN Seaman who was the passenger
in the vehicle was pronounced dead on scene. The LCpl had been drinking prior to the crash and his blood
alcohol level was over the legal limit.
INVESTIGATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
9
FIVE-YEAR DON ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENSES
2022 DON HIGHLIGHTS
12
Law enforcement receives and investigates unrestricted reports of Adult Sexual Assault. DoD policy includes a restricted reporting option, so
numbers in this report are not inclusive of all sexual assaults reported in the DON. Further information on reporting options can be found
at: DoDD 6495.01, “Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program,” Effective January 23, 2012, Incorporating Change 4 on
September 11, 2020 (whs.mil). Viewed March 2022.
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT
▪ 1,521 Adult Sexual Assault
12
offenses were reported.
▫ In 2022, Adult Sexual Assault offenses appear to be continuing to trend
upwards since the low in 2020 but is still 14% from form the high reporting
in 2018.
▪ In Adult Sexual Assaults, the most frequent relationship reported between the
victim and offender was co-workers (49%) followed by acquaintance/friend
(25%).
▪ 30 investigations had a documented nexus to sexual harassment. Within these
investigations, the subject sexually harassed the victim before or after a sexual
assault occurred and/or was being investigated by command for other incidents
of sexual harassment. Some sexual harassment complaints involved crude
behavior, unwanted sexual attention, and/or sexual coercion.
▪ 309 (20%) of sexual assault cases involved male victims. Compared to the previous
year, there were 52% more male victims.
2%
INCREASE FROM 2021
2018 2019 20222020 2021
1,088
673
1,003
555
947
574
872
943
527
543
AVERAGE/YEAR: 1,545
USN
USMC
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
10
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
13
The DoD Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2021-2022, dated 10
March 2023. Reports | SAPR. Viewed March 12, 2023.
14
Hard Truths and the Duty to Change: Recommendation from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military. The
Relationship between Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Findings from the RAND Military Workplace Study | RAND.
Viewed June 2, 2023.
15
The DoD Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2021-2022, dated 10
March 2023. Reports | SAPR. Viewed March 12, 2023.
▪ 15 investigations involved sexual assaults against or involving midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA).
This is an increase from the four investigations reported in 2021.
▫ The DoD Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies (MSA Report),
Academic Program Year (APY) 2021-2022 also noted an increase in reporting for all three service academies
with an estimated 21% of female cadets and 4% of male cadets for unwanted sexual contact (USC).
13
· It should be noted that the number of sexual assaults reported to DoD Authorities in APY 21-22 is not
necessarily the number of sexual assaults that may have occurred due to the fact that sexual assault is one
of the most underreported crimes including in the military.
14
▫ At the USNA, estimated rates of USC:
· 2018 - 16% of women and 2% of men.
· 2022 - 23% of women and 5% of men.
15
2022 BREAKDOWN OF ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENSES
Ninety-nine percent of reported adult sexual assault offense types are depicted in the graph below, with the
remaining 1% comprised of aggravated sexual contact and attempts.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
RAPE
ABUSIVE
SEXUAL CONTACT
34
60
250
480
284
398
USN
USMC
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
11
USMC
USN
2022 USN AND USMC KEY FINDINGS
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT
604
VICTIMS
Timeliness of reporting between date of assault
and date reported averaged 195 days and with
28% of victims reporting between one to three
days after an assault.
Barracks and residences represent the most
common locations where sexual assaults took
place.
55%
of USMC cases were service member on
service member assaults; this is a 3% increase
from 2021.
44%
of sexual assaults involved substance
misuse involving drugs and/or alcohol use.
72
sexual assaults were committed by spouses
or intimate partners, a person who is or has been
in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate
nature of the abuser.
57
(9%) victims were sexually assaulted by
spouses and 15 (2%) victims were sexually
assaulted by significant others, former spouses or
former significant others.
990
VICTIMS
Timeliness of reporting between date of assault
and date reported averaged 259 days and with
30% of victims reporting between one to 12
months after an assault.
Base housing and ships represent the most
common locations where sexual assaults took
place.
62%
of USN cases were service member on
service member assaults; this is an increase of
4% from 2021.
37%
of sexual assaults involved substance
misuse involving drugs and/or alcohol use.
66
sexual assaults were committed by spouses
and intimate partners, a person who is or has
been in a social relationship of a romantic or
intimate nature with the abuser.
48
(5%) victims were sexually assaulted by
spouses and 18 (2%) victims were sexually
assaulted by significant others, former spouses or
former significant others.
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
12
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
INVESTIGATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
USN
USN PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS SENTENCED TO 18 MONTHS CONFINEMENT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
On April 12, 2022, a USN Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) was sentenced to 18 months confinement,
reduction in rank to E-1, and a dishonorable discharge after being found guilty at a General Court Martial for
sexual assault. The victim, a female sailor, went out to Chinatown, HI with friends and was introduced to the
PO3. During the early morning, all individuals returned to the victim’s residence where she and a witness
fell asleep in her bed. She awoke to the PO3 standing over her while he digitally penetrated her. Initially,
the PO3 denied knowing the victim, but in a subsequent interview he admitted to sexually assaulting her.
USN SEAMAN SENTENCED TO 12 MONTHS CONFINEMENT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
On February 2, 2022, a USN Seaman (SN) was sentenced to 12 months confinement, reduction in rank,
forfeiture of all pay and allowances, sex offender registration, firearm prohibition and a dishonorable
discharge after being found guilty of sexual assault. A female sailor was sexually assaulted by the SN at
her residence in Newport News, VA after being put to bed by a friend following a house party that day. Her
residence was unsecured and the SN gained entry and engaged in sexual intercourse with her against her
will. During an interview with NCIS, the SN admitted to sexually assaulting the victim.
USMC
USMC SERGEANT SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS CONFINEMENT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OTHER
PERSON AND INDECENT RECORDINGS
On May 16, 2022, a USMC Sergeant (Sgt) was sentenced to 10 years confinement, reduction in rank to
E-1, required to register as a sex offender, firearm possession prohibition, and a dishonorable discharge
after being found guilty of three counts of sexual assault without the consent of the other person; Attempted
Fraternization; Violation of a General Order, two counts of Sexual Harassment; False Official Statement;
Communicating A Threat; and Extortion. During an anonymous command climate survey, several Marines
reported the Sgt had sexually assaulted other Marines under his command. Interviews of Marines revealed
the Sgt engaged junior ranking female Marines who were new to the command by offering to be a tour guide.
The Sgt’s behavior caused witnesses to refer to him as a “predator” but expressed they were hesitant to
report the Sgt, based on concerns as to how the report would impact their careers. Other female Marines
reported the Sgt inappropriately engaged with them via social media and text messages. He also recorded
sexual interactions, without obtaining the other individual’s consent. Several victims in his command were
identified and the sexual assaults spanned several years from 2017 to late 2020 when the first victim came
forward.
USMC CORPORAL SENTENCED TO 6 ½ YEARS CONFINEMENT FOR TWO COUNTS OF ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT
On March 24, 2022, a USMC Corporal (Cpl) was sentenced to six and a half years confinement, reduction
in rank, sex offender registration and dishonorable discharge after being found guilty of seven counts of
Article 120 abusive sexual contact. The Cpl touched the penises of several Marines without their consent
in 2021. Additionally, while the Cpl was in pre-trial confinement at the Brig, he sexually assaulted another
Marine on multiple occasions.
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
13
FIVE-YEAR DON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OFFENSES
2022 DON HIGHLIGHTS
16
This section provides data related to Child Contact Sexual Abuse (CSA), Child Pornography (CP), and Internet Contact (IC) offenses. Many
cases may involve one or more type of these offenses.
17
DoD, Report on Child Abuse and Neglect and Domestic Violence in the Military report for Fiscal Year 2021, dated September 2022.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/data-research-and-statistics/reports/family-advocacy-program/. Viewed April 2022.
18
DoD, Report on Child Abuse and Neglect and Domestic Violence in the Military report for Fiscal Year 2021, dated September 2022.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/data-research-and-statistics/reports/family-advocacy-program/. Viewed April 2022.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
16
19%
DECREASE FROM 2021
▪ 274 child sexual abuse and exploitation offenses in 2022; 63 less than reported
in 2021.
▫ 114 child sexual abuse offenses.
· According to the DoD, Report on Child Abuse and Neglect and Domestic
Violence in the Military report for Fiscal Year 2021, dated September 2022,
child sexual abuse has been decreasing in DoD and civilian data steadily over
the past decade, which is reflected in DON LE reporting.
17
▫ 160 child exploitation offenses, which include child sexual abuse material
(CSAM) (also known as child pornography) and internet contact.
▪ Of the 269 identified subjects, 226 were military members and 43 were civilians.
▪ The most cited relationship between the subject and victim was a parent or
step-parent.
▫ DoD, Report on Child Abuse and Neglect and Domestic Violence in the Military
report for Fiscal Year 2021, reported 48% of known abusers were military
parents.
18
▪ 125 offenses took place on-base.
▪ Internet contact cases involved the use of various social media platforms like
Snapchat, Kik, and Dropbox, which were the top 3 documented social media
sites mentioned in NCIS reporting, used by both the victim and/or subject to
meet or communicate with each other and/or exchange/upload photographs
and videos.
2018 2019 20222020 2021
238
209
160
207
198
156
181
114
130
139
AVERAGE/YEAR: 346
USN
USMC
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
14
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
USN USMC
19
GAO Report 23-105260: ONLINE EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN – Department of Justice Leadership and Updated National Strategy Needed
to Address Challenges, December 2022. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105260. Viewed April 15, 2023.
The diagram below breaks down the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation offenses within the DON.
▫ Social media and communication platforms are the most common methods for meeting and grooming children
on-line documented in NCIS reporting.
▪ Of the 274 investigations, 18 initiated from undercover operations.
▫ Federal agencies and federally funded task forces use a number of mechanisms to conduct undercover
investigations, deconflict tips and investigations, and track the status of cases.
19
▫ NCIS participates in federally funded task forces and has been successful in identifying military and civilian
subjects involved in crimes against children with a DoD nexus. These partnerships, with other local, state, and
federal agencies, are crucial in combatting the issue.
Child Sexual Abuse
Child Pornography Internet Contact
49
97
6
113
105
3
Child Sexual Abuse
Child Pornography Internet Contact
33
64
5
05
51
2
Child Sexual Abuse
Child Pornography Internet Contact
16
33
1
18
54
1
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
15
USMC
USN
2022 USN AND USMC KEY FINDINGS
33
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE OFFENSES
81
child exploitation offenses.
In 81 CSAM and Internet Contact investigations,
1 “victim” was an undercover agent (UC) or
officer, with no child involvement.
12
civilian offenders assigned as USMC
investigations.
64
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE OFFENSES
96
child exploitation offenses.
In 96 CSAM and Internet Contact investigations,
17 “victims” were undercover agents (UCs) or
officers, with no child involvement.
31
civilian offenders were assigned as USN
investigations.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
INVESTIGATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
USN
NAVY SEAMAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS CONFINEMENT AND REGISTRATION AS A SEX OFFENDER FOR LIFE FOR POSSESSION
OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL AND CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT
On May 17, 2022, a USN Seaman was sentenced to 25 years confinement in U.S. District Court in Virginia
for coercion and enticement of a minor. This NCIS investigation started from a tip received by the Southern
Virginia Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) task force that came from Snapchat. The sailor uploaded
child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to Snapchat. Further investigation revealed he sexually assaulted
his neighbor’s twelve-year-old daughter. After he was interviewed by NCIS, he admitted he had sexually
assaulted the neighbor’s twelve-year-old daughter and had attempted to sexually assault an eight-year-old.
He also admitted to wanting to sexually assault a five-year-old child. During the analysis of his phone, it
contained chats with suspected minors as well as CSAM, including prepubescent bondage material.
PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS SENTENCED TO 4 YEARS CONFINEMENT, 8 YEARS SUPERVISED RELEASE, FINED $28,100 IN
RESTITUTION, AND TO REGISTER AS A SEXUAL OFFENDER FOR LIFE FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL
On June 24, 2022, a Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 4 years
confinement, 8 years’ probation, fined $28,100 restitution to be paid to victims, and to register as a sexual
offender for life. This investigation was started from a cyber-tip to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
who worked the investigation jointly with NCIS. During the investigation numerous photos and videos of
prepubescent CSAM were discovered on the PO2’s digital media.
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
16
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
NAVY GS-11 CIVILIAN SENTENCED TO 6 ½ YEARS IN PRISON FOLLOWED BY 10 YEARS OF SUPERVISED PROBATION FOR
POSSESSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
On February 4, 2022, a USN Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) civilian employee was
sentenced in the U.S. District Court of Pennsylvania to 76 months confinement and 10 years of
supervised release. He will also pay $10,000.00 in restitution to one of the identified victims and a
separate $10,000.00 fine issued by the court. He pled guilty to three separate counts of Possession of
Child Pornography as part of a plea agreement. The NAVSUP employee made further admissions to using
Yahoo Messenger, Skype, and e-mail to communicate with young females and exchange child pornography
images.
USMC
USMC SERGEANT SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS CONFINEMENT, REDUCTION IN RANK, DISHONORABLE DISCHARGE AND REQUIRED
TO REGISTER AS A SEXUAL OFFENDER FOR LIFE FOR PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
On August 24, 2022, a USMC Sgt was sentenced in a General Court Martial to 21 years confinement,
reduction in rank to E-1, dishonorably discharged, and will have to register as a sex offender for life for
production, distribution and possession of child pornography. The USMC Sgt was advertising on-line to
buy and sell “images” via social media applications. A search of his cell phone revealed it contained 389
images and 342 videos of suspected CSAM. One of the videos was believed to have been produced by the
Sgt, which depicted him sexually assaulting a fifteen-year-old female victim.
A USMC SERGEANT SENTENCED TO 28 YEARS CONFINEMENT FOR THE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD & A RESERVE USMC
SERGEANT SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS CONFINEMENT FOR THE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD
On April 22, 2022, a USMC Sgt from Okinawa, Japan was sentenced to 28 years confinement, reduction
in rank to E1, dishonorable discharge and must register as a sex offender as a result of a General Court
Martial for sexual abuse of a child. On April 5, 2022, in the U.S. Southern District Court of California a
reserve Sgt was sentenced for sexual assault of a child to 20 years confinement, reduction in rank to E1,
dishonorable discharge and must register as a sex offender. The two investigations into each service member
were initiated after the active duty Sgt advertised himself and his three-year-old stepdaughter on Craigslist
for sexual encounters. The reserve Sgt communicated electronically with the active duty Sgt to arrange
travel to meet for sex with him and his stepdaughter. During the NCIS interview, the reserve Sgt confessed
that the two met up and engaged in sex acts with each other and the three-year-old female victim. These
two combined cases were the result of an on-line operation that originated in Okinawa.
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
17
FIVE-YEAR DON NARCOTICS OFFENSES
2022 DON HIGHLIGHTS
20
To standardize the narcotics data in accordance with the other crime categories, different methodologies and processes were applied to the
CY21 narcotics query and validation of the data. In doing so, year to year comparisons are not suitable. In addition, total narcotics offenses
were adjusted to exclude offenses related to possession of drug paraphernalia/equipment.
21
Addiction Center. 10 Most Common Addictions. https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/10-most-common-addictions Viewed July 15,
2023.
▪ 1,423 subjects were involved in 1,541 offenses.
▪ 10% of subjects were involved with 2 or more drugs.
▪ 98% of the subjects were involved in use and possession offenses, with the most
prevalent drugs types being marijuana, and cocaine, followed by lysergic acid
diethylamide (LSD).
▫ The most common illicit drug addictions in the U.S. is Marijuana – 14.2 million
Americans with marijuana use disorder.
21
▪ 10% of the subjects were involved in distribution offenses, with the most
prevalent drug types being cocaine, marijuana, followed by LSD.
▪ The top three most common methods used to obtain drugs were stranger,
followed by friend and then mobile applications.
▪ 72% of offenses occurred on military bases, 26% of offenses occurred off-base
and 2% were unknown.
▪ In 2022, NCIS conducted a criminal initiative operation and crime reduction
campaign called Third Strike, which focused on targeting the use, possession
and distribution of fentanyl, and other controlled substances within the DON.
Third Strike ran from November 1, 2022 through May 1, 2023. This operational
initiative has produced 159 investigations with 119 subjects.
NARCOTICS
20
23%
DECREASE FROM 2021
2018 2019 20222020 2021
1,480
1,123
1,250
1,360
750
791
1,198
830
1,460
1,180
AVERAGE/YEAR: 2,284
USN
USMC
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
18
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
2022 DOCUMENTED DRUG TYPES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
LSD, 7%
AMPHETAMINES, 3%
UNKNOWN, <1%
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, 1%
OTHER, 8%
OPIOIDS, 4%
METHAMPHETAMINES, 1%
ECSTASY, 2%
MARIJUANA, 52%
COCAINE, 22%
HEROIN, <1%
* Opioid category includes codeine, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, nor fentanyl, oxycodone,
oxymorphone, and other synthetic opioids.
** Other category includes mushrooms and other psychedelics, khat, steroids, and over the counter
medications.
*** Unknown category includes drugs documented as unknown, or that were unidentified or untested at the
time the data was captured.
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
19
INVESTIGATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
USN
TWO CIVILIANS SENTENCED TO 26 YEARS AND 10 YEARS RESPECTIVELY INVOLVING DRUG TRAFFICKING AND MONEY
LAUNDERING
On March 21, 2022, two civilian subjects were found guilty of drug trafficking and money laundering;
one civilian subject was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison and the second civilian subject was
sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Norfolk Field Office, Norfolk
Police Department (NPD), and NCIS dismantled a heroin and cocaine distribution operation through naval
shipyards in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. Over 30 grams of cocaine was seized.
FIFTY SUBJECTS IDENTIFIED IN THE IMPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, AND USE OF LSD
As of November 29, 2022, dispositions have been obtained for 50 identified subjects. A USN SN
sentenced for possession, use, and distribution of narcotics, receiving a reduction in rank to E1 and 30
days confinement at a General Court Martial. No punitive discharge was adjudged. Three service members,
two USMC LCpls and one USN SN, were administratively separated (ADSEP) with an Other Than Honorable
discharge. Twenty-one service members, two USN SN and 19 USMC service members (2–Sgt, 7–LCpl, 4–
Private First Class, PFC, and 6–Cpls) were ADSEP characterized as General under Honorable discharge.
Eight USMC service members, (3 Cpl, 1 PFC, 3 LCpl and 1 Sgt) received formal written non-punitive letters
of caution and/or written counseling. One USMC LCpl received a suspended Non-Judicial Punishment. No
action was taken against 14 service members, 10 USN (4-SN, 3-SA, 1-SR and 2-PO3) and four USMC (3-
LCpl and 1-Cpl). There were also two civilian subjects; one civilian subject’s prosecution was declined and
the second civilian, being a military dependent, was debarred from base. The investigation was initiated in
April 2021 when the NCIS office in Iwakuni, Japan was notified by a cooperating source of the potential
recent importation and distribution of LSD. The initial subject was interviewed and reported he received
an estimated 50 to 60 LSD tabs via the post office at least twice in April 2021 and distributed them to
numerous Marines and civilians as mentioned above.
NARCOTICS
USMC
USN
2022 USN AND USMC KEY FINDINGS
758
SUBJECTS related to use/possession and/
or distribution.
In use/possession offenses, the most reported
drugs were marijuana, cocaine, followed by LSD.
For distribution offenses, the most prevalent
drugs were cocaine, LSD, followed by marijuana.
Based on 840 offenses, 634 were on-base, 179
were off-base and 27 were unknown.
Drugs were most frequently discovered at
residences, government/public buildings,
followed by military bases.
665
SUBJECTS related to use/possession and/
or distribution.
In use/possession offenses the most reported
drugs were marijuana, cocaine, followed by LSD.
For distribution offenses, the most prevalent
drugs were marijuana, cocaine, followed by LSD.
Based on 701 offenses, 469 were on-base, 218
were off-base and 14 were unknown.
Drugs were most frequently discovered at
residences, onboard ship, followed by military
bases.
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
20
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
USN PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS SENTENCED TO SIX MONTHS CONFINEMENT FOR CONSPIRACY AND DISTRIBUTION
On August 4, 2022, a USN Petty Officer First Class (PO1) was sentenced to six months confinement and
reduction to E-1 for conspiracy and distribution of buprenorphine at a General Court Martial. It was reported
between September 2020 and October 2020, PO1 mailed multiple letters containing suboxone to two
civilians who are inmates inside Hampton Roads Regional Jail located in VA. Both civilian inmates pled
guilty in Portsmouth Circuit Court. This was a joint investigation conducted by NCIS and the Portsmouth
Police Department.
USMC
USMC PRIVATE FIRST CLASS SENTENCED TO 18 MONTHS CONFINEMENT FOLLOWED BY 3 YEARS SUPERVISION FOR
SMUGGLING METHAMPHETAMINES
On January 18, 2022, a USMC PFC was sentenced in United States District Court of the Southern District
of California to 18 months confinement followed by three years of supervised released. On February 22,
2021, while stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, the PFC applied for entry into the United States from Mexico
through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in a vehicle. While checking the spare tire compartment of the vehicle,
a Customs and Border Patrol Officer (CBPO) noticed that the spare tire was deflated. The CBPO removed the
spare tire from the trunk and bounced the spare tire on the ground. When the tire hit the ground, he realized
there were loose objects within the deflated tire. A subsequent inspection revealed a total of 14 packages
concealed in the spare tire, which tested positive for methamphetamine. This was a joint investigation with
NCIS and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
TWENTY-FIVE USMC MEMBERS SENTENCE FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE USE AND/OR DISTRIBUTION OF LSD AND ECSTASY
On November 29, 2021 as part of a pre-trial agreement, a USMC LCpl was sentenced to five months
confinement, reduced in rank to E-1, and received a Bad Conduct Discharge. The majority of the subjects
were charged the offense of use/possession. Twelve subjects were charged with wrongful use and three
subjects were charged with both use/possession and distribution. In October 2020, NCISRA Camp Lejeune,
NC received information regarding numerous active duty Marines involved in the use and distribution of LSD
and ecstasy. On November 20, 2020, the LCpl was apprehended, searched, and interrogated. Suspected
tabs were located on the LCpl in addition to approximately 126 suspected LSD tabs recovered from his
barracks room. During his interrogation, he admitted to the use and distribution of LSD and ecstasy.
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
21
FIVE-YEAR DON PROCUREMENT FRAUD OFFENSES
22
The amounts above were recovered in FY22; whereas, in previous NCIS Annual Crime Reports the dollars amounts were retrieved from closed
investigations and the recoveries may been ordered and/or collected in prior years.
PROCUREMENT FRAUD
2022 DON HIGHLIGHTS
USMC
USN
2022 USN AND USMC KEY FINDINGS
53
OFFENSES
Product Substitution was the most common offense.
The most prevalent products involved in product
substitution investigations included aviation sector
products, along with numerous other products such as
motors, steering systems, fans, and other small parts.
27
OFFENSES
Product Substitution was the most common offense.
The most prevalent products involved in product
substitution investigations included promotional items
and miscellaneous small parts like insulation tape.
2%
DECREASE FROM 2021
▪ 80 procurement fraud offenses
in 2022, down 2% from 2021.
▪ The Economic Crimes Field
Office investigates Antitrust,
Conflict of Interest, Defective
Pricing, General Procurement,
Subcontractor Kickbacks, Cost Mischarging, Environmental
Crime, and Product Substitution.
▪ Majority of investigated offenses involved product
substitution, general procurement, and cost mischarging.
▪ Investigations into procurement fraud offenses were primarily
initiated as the result of incidents or complaints reported
to NCIS, DoD and Department of Navy Inspector General
referrals, and allegations received and referrals from local,
state, and other federal law enforcement agencies.
▪ Procurement fraud recovery amounts, which include funds
collected through civil settlements, court ordered restitutions
and forfeitures, yielded a total of $129,667,861 in FY22 in
comparison to $107,687,161 in FY21.
22
2018 2019 20222020 2021
151
123
53
157
82
13
14
27
8
0
ADMINISTRATIVE
$2,425
CIVIL
$56,785,829
CRIMINAL
$72,879,607
AVERAGE/YEAR: 126
USN
USMC
2022 DON PROCUREMENT
FRAUD RECOVERIES
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
22
SECTION 2
| 2022 CRIME TRENDS
23
Husbanding service providers supply items or services for ships such as water ferry and taxi services, ground transportation and other logistical
requirements.
USN
GOVERNMENT PRIME CONTRACTOR ORDERED TO PAY $1.1 MILLION FOR CONTRACTORS KICKBACK SCHEME ON WOUNDED
WARRIOR PROGRAM
On October 24, 2022, a government contractor based in Virginia Beach, VA was ordered to pay $1.1
million civil penalty under the strict liability provision of the Anti-Kickback Act. An investigation revealed,
between 2012 and 2015, the subcontractor selected by the prime government contractor to work on its
contracts accepted $1,088,803 in kickbacks from a lower-tier subcontractor in exchange for work on the
contractor’s prime government contracts. The contractor was strictly liable for a civil penalty equal to the
value of the kickbacks paid and accepted by its subcontractors on the Wounded Warrior contracts. This
joint investigation case was conducted by NCIS, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General
(DoDIG), the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office, the U.S. Army
Criminal Investigation Division, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s office of the
Eastern District of Virginia.
FORMER SENIOR U.S. NAVY EMPLOYEE SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR BRIBERY CONSPIRACY AND LYING TO INVESTIGATORS
On December 2, 2022, the former Director of Operations of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command
(MSC) in South Korea was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, and
making false statements in U.S. District Court. The employee engaged in a conspiracy to commit bribery
with the owner of a South Korea-based company that provided services to the USN, as well as with a
former MSC captain, to steer U.S. Navy business to the company. From 2011 to 2014, the employee used
his position of influence as a public official to benefit his co-conspirator including by steering over $3.3
million in husbanding services contracts for U.S. military ships to the company.
23
The employee provided
a co-conspirator with confidential and other proprietary internal USN information. In exchange for these
benefits, the co-conspirator paid bribes to the employee, including thousands of dollars in cash, personal
travel expenses, meals and alcoholic beverages, and prostitution services. Additionally, during a voluntary
interview with NCIS in July 2019, the employee repeatedly lied when confronted about his illegal conduct.
This joint investigation was conducted by NCIS and DCIS.
FORMER LAB DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS IN PRISON AND FINED $50,000 FOR FALSIFYING RESULTS OF STEEL
TESTING ON PARTS OF NAVY SUBMARINES
On February 14, 2022, the former director of a USN contracting company was sentenced to 30 months
in jail and a $50,000 fine in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, WA for one count of Major Fraud against the
United States. The employee falsified test results that measure the strength and toughness of steel that the
contractor sold for installation in USN submarines. The contractor is the USN’s leading supplier of high-yield
steel castings for naval submarines and its foundry produces castings that prime contractors use to fabricate
submarine hulls. The steel must meet Navy standards for strength and toughness to ensure it does not fail
under certain circumstances, such as a collision. The foundry produced castings, many of which failed lab
tests and did not meet the USN’s standards. The employee falsified results for over 240 productions of steel
which represents about half of the casting produced for the Navy. This joint investigation was conducted by
NCIS, DCIS, DoDIG, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.
INVESTIGATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
23
24
https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics. Viewed March 2023.
.
25
DoD Annual Report on Suicide in the Military, Calendar Year 2021. https://www.dspo.mil/Portals/113/Documents/2022%20ASR/Annual%20
Report%20on%20Suicide%20in%20the%20Military%20CY%202021%20with%20CY21%20DoDSER%20(1).pdf?ver=tat8FRrUhH2IlndFr
CGbsA%3d%3d. Viewed March 2023.
2022 DON HIGHLIGHTS
Due to the significant interest in all deaths involving DON personnel, NCIS conducts investigations into all
non-combat, medically unexpected fatalities, on or off DON installations, facilities, vessels, and aircraft, to
assist in determining whether the death was a result of homicide, suicide, natural causes, or accidental means.
SUICIDES
Suicide affects morale and operational readiness and have an emotional and psychological impact on
families, friends, and fellow service members. NCIS is steadfast in its efforts to investigate deaths and bring
closure to families and friends of victims.
NON-CRIMINAL FATALITIES: SUICIDES
▪ 131 suicide deaths; the most frequent manner of death reported in the DON.
▪ Suicides deaths increased 28% from 2021.
▫ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC), Vital
Statistics Rapid Release, Report No. 17, dated September 2022, Provisional
data from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicate that both the
number and the rate of suicides in the U.S. increased 4 percent from 2020 to
2021, after two consecutive years of decline in 2019 and 2020.
▪ Suicide deaths have increased for both branches from last year.
▫ USN went from 61 to 77, an increase of 26%.
▫ USMC went from 41 to 54, an increase of 32%.
▪ The 5-year suicide average is 124 and in 2022 there were 131 suicide deaths, which is lower than the 5 year
high in 2020 of 138.
▪ 60% of suicides took place at off-base residences.
▪ Victims were primarily enlisted, male, and under the age of 30.
▪ The primary method of suicide death was firearms (62%), followed by hanging (33%).
▫ The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reported in 2020, firearms accounted for 53% of all suicide deaths.
24
▫ The DoD, Annual Suicide Report, Calendar Year 2021 reported 519 Service members died by suicide were
young, enlisted male Service members found to be at greatest risk. The Annual Report shows that the suicide
rates for Active Component Service members have gradually increased since 2011, although the 2021 rate is
lower than in 2020.
25
28%
INCREASE FROM 2021
FIVE-YEAR DON SUICIDES
2018 2019 20222020 2021
79
74
77
83
61
58
39
54
55
41
USN
USMC
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
24
SECTION 3
| 2022 NON-CRIMINAL FATALITIES
TOP 3 POSSIBLE FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO DON SUICIDES
27
26
Other/UNK category in the graph includes suicide deaths by drugs, exsanguination, pending and unknown causes.
27
Persons who die by suicide may have had several contributing factors. It is possible mental health issues could have been present but not
known, diagnosed, or reported.
USMC
USN
2022 USN AND USMC KEY FINDINGS
54
VICTIMS
11
Suicides involved various relationship/
marital issues relating to divorce, breakups,
domestic violence, and infidelity (either actual or
perceived).
5
Victims were actively involved in an on-going
investigation either by NCIS, their command, or
other law enforcement agency involving narcotics
and a work-related issue.
6
Victims had previous suicidal ideations.
77
VICTIMS
19
Suicides involved various relationship/
marital issues relating to divorce, breakups, and
infidelity (either actual or perceived).
9
Victims were actively involved in an on-going
investigation by NCIS, their command, or other
law enforcement agency concerning allegations of
prostitution, alcohol misuse, and sexual assault.
20
Victims had known previous suicidal
ideations.
▪ 23% of suicides had marital/relationship issues as a possible contributing factor.
▪ Fourteen victims were the subject of on-going investigations by NCIS, their command or other law enforcement
agencies involving a wide variety of offenses including driving under the influence, solicitation of a prostitute,
child exploitation, and narcotics.
CAUSES OF DON SUICIDE DEATHS
26
Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%
ASPHYXIATION, 4%
4 VICTIMS
OTHER, 4%
3 VICTIMS
GUNSHOT WOUND, 59%
81 VICTIMS
HANGING, 27%
43 VICTIMS
DON
MEMBER
Mental Health Issues
11%
Relationship Issues
23%
Substance Abuse Issues
18%
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
25
2022 DON HIGHLIGHTS
28
Congress Research Service, In Focus report titled Trends in Active-Duty Military Deaths from 2006 through 2021, updated September 2022.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10899/13. Viewed April 15, 2023.
29
Leading Cause of Injury and Death. https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/LeadingCauses.html. Viewed April 15, 2023.
30
Polysubstance use definition – the use of more than one drug taken together or within a short time period, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Intentional polysubstance use occurs when a person takes a drug to increase or decrease the effects of a different drug or wants to experience
the effects of the combination. Unintentional polysubstance use occurs when a person takes drugs that have been mixed or cut with other
substances, like fentanyl, without their knowledge. It could include over the counter medication, prescription medication and alcohol. https://
www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/polysubstance-use/index.html, Viewed February 2022.
31
The 10 overdose deaths were confirmed through medical examiner, autopsy, or toxicology reports when data was collected for this report. The
actual number maybe higher due to the fact official reporting from medical examiner, autopsy, or toxicology reports listing manner and cause
of death are received after the data is collected.
32
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drug Overdose Death Rates. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates.
Viewed July 15, 2023.
33
CDC, Opioid Basics, Fentanyl. https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html. Viewed April 15, 2023.
▪ 87 accidental deaths.
▪ 55% involved service members.
▪ The Congress Research Service, In Focus report titled “Trends in Active-Duty Military Deaths from 2006 through
2021,” updated September 2022, reports accidental deaths overall have declined since 2006; however, since
2018 the numbers have fluctuated but declined from 2019 to 2021.
28
▪ 42 accidental deaths (49% of total) were caused by blunt force trauma (BFT), primarily due to vehicular
accidents (55% of blunt force trauma) or other causes like falls (35% of blunt force trauma). 34 of these blunt
force trauma deaths involved active duty service members.
▫ The Centers for Disease Control, reports in 2020 the second leading cause of unintentional deaths are motor
vehicle accidents after poisoning.
29
▪ 8 sailors were killed in workplace accidents.
▫ 5 were killed when an Osprey aircraft crashed in Yuma, AZ.
▫ 1 died in a vehicular accident while he was driving a group of other SEAL team sailors in a commuter van.
▫ 1 died in an F-18 crash over the Mojave Desert, CA.
▫ 1 died as the result of getting struck by the rotor blades from a civilian helicopter crash at Fort Story, VA.
▪ Over 56% occurred on-base.
▪ 10 drug overdose deaths (11% of total) involved substance misuse or polysubstance use with all involving
fentanyl.
30, 31
This is a 17% decrease from CY21 which trended downward in comparison to national trends.
▫ In 2021 the most recent data available, there were 106,699 drug-involved overdose deaths. This is 51% increase
since 2019. The increase in overdose deaths is largely attributed to synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) –
primarily fentanyl. Synthetic opioids accounted for two-thirds of all overdose deaths in 2021.
32
▫ According to the CDC most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death, in the U.S. are linked
to illegally made fentanyl. It is often mixed with other drugs like heroin and/or cocaine sometimes without the
user’s knowledge.
33
▪ 28 Illegal immigrants died of exposure crossing the US/Mexico border in Yuma, AZ at the Barry Goldwater Air
Force Range, more than twice than last year.
Accidental deaths are included in this report due to their impact on morale, agility, and operational readiness.
Awareness of these incidents can lead to improved training, enhanced policy and safety measures, sea and
aviation readiness, and force modernization, which will support prevention and mitigation of accidental
deaths.
NON-CRIMINAL FATALITIES: ACCIDENTAL DEATHS
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
26
SECTION 3
| 2022 NON-CRIMINAL FATALITIES
USMC
USN
2022 USN AND USMC KEY FINDINGS
CY22 CAUSE OF DEATH FOR ACCIDENTAL DEATHS
34
Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%
34
Other/UNK category in the graph includes accidental deaths by gunshot wound and unknown causes.
51
VICTIMS
19
deaths were caused by blunt force trauma.
15
deaths involved vehicle accidents, of
which 6 involved motorcycles.
2
were due to drowning while swimming.
Fentanyl was the contributing factor in
2
overdose accidental deaths.
36
VICTIMS
23
deaths were caused by blunt force trauma.
13
deaths involved vehicle accidents, of
which 5 involved motorcycles.
2
were due to drowning after a plane crash
and 1 from a canoeing incident.
8
drug deaths were cause from fentanyl.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL, 9%
10 VICTIMS
DROWNING, 5%
4 VICTIMS
OTHER, 3%
3 VICTIMS
EXPOSURE, 33%
28 VICTIMS
BLUNT FORCE
TRAUMA, 49%
42 VICTIMS
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
27
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT
REPORT A CRIME TO NCIS
SPOTLIGHT RESOURCES
HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCE
More information can be found at:
https://www.defense.gov/spotlights/combating-trafficking-in-persons/
NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN RESOURCES
NCMEC NETSMARTZ: https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/home
NCMEC CYBER TIPLINE TO REPORT CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION:
https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline
NCMEC 24-HOUR HOTLINE TO REPORT CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
Beginning in February 2022, in accordance with expanded
CATCH policies, the CATCH system began accepting and
recording entries from victims who had previously filed an
Unrestricted Report but were not participating in the investigative
processes and the suspect’s identity was not known by Law
Enforcement. In FY22, the CATCH Program received 699
submissions from victims who had previously filed a Restricted
Report or Unrestricted Report across the Military Services and
National Guard Bureau. CATCH submissions resulted in 28
matches during FY22. Since its launch in August 2019, the
CATCH Program has received 1,614 total victim submissions
resulting in 63 matches as of September 30, 2022.
APPENDIX A – DON PROGRAM RESOURCES
SUICIDE
REPORTING IS ANONYMOUS
SUBMIT A TIP AT
WWW.NCIS.NAVY.MIL
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
28
SECTION 4
| APPENDICES
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
Every April, the Defense Department
and Military OneSource recognizes
Child Abuse Prevention Month. The
annual campaign focuses on helping
children who may be abused and
neglected, or at risk of being abused
and neglected, and caregivers
who could benefit from support,
information and resources.
CALLS TO ACTION
If you have concerns about a child’s
safety, make sure you know what
to do. Call your installation Family
Advocacy Program (FAP) or the
Childhelp National Child Abuse
Hotline at 800-422-4453. If you’re
not sure what to do, you can contact
Military OneSource at 800-342-
9647. Reporting suspected child
abuse and neglect is required by law
for the military chain of command
and covered professionals.
· Call 911 or military law enforcement
if a child is in immediate danger.
· Call your installation’s FAP.
· Call your local Child Protective
Services office.
· Contact Military OneSource at
800-342-9647 if you are not sure
what to do.
· Call the National Child Abuse
Hotline at 800-422-4453.
PROCUREMENT FRAUD
DOD HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER: 800-424-9098 (Toll-Free) | 703-604-8799 (Commercial) | 664-8799 (DSN)
SOUTHWEST ASIA HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER: 877-363-3348 (Toll-Free) | 664-1151 (DSN)
NAVAL INSPECTOR GENERAL
E-mail: NAVIGHotlines@navy.mil | Navy IG Toll free: (800) 522-3451 Fax: (202) 433-2613 | www.ig.navy.mil
2022 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
29
ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT – Use of fraud, fear, or the victim’s incapibility to consent due to sleep,
intoxication, or physical/mental defect.
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL CONTACT – Use of force to restrain or compel submission, or cause or threaten grevious
bodily harm, or drug or otherwise render unconscious.
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY – Material that contains either: (1) An obscene visual depiction of a minor engaging
in sexually explicit conduct. or (2) A visual depiction of an actual minor engaging in sexually explicit
conduct.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE (physical) – Includes sex crimes where the victim is under the age of 16. The offense
types include rape, attempted rape, carnal knowledge, attempted carnal knowledge, molestation, sodomy,
aggravated assault with intent to commit sodomy, indecent acts not amounting to sodomy, and other sex
related crimes (incest, indecent exposure, obscene telephone calls, voyeurism, etc.).
DOMESTIC ABUSE – Domestic violence or a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional or psychological abuse,
economic control, or interference with personal liberty that is directed toward a person who is:
a. Current or former spouse;
b. A person with whom the abuser shares a child in common; or
c. A current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – An offense under the USC, UCMJ, or State law which involves the use, attempted
use, or threatened use of physical force against a person and is committed by a current or former spouse,
parent, or guardian of the victim; by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; by a
person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian; or by
a person who similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
GENERAL PROCUREMENT – Fraud pertaining to criminal irregularities in connection with procurement, and
administration or disposition of U.S. Government property or services not otherwise defined in other
procurement fraud areas reported herein. Examples include allegations of violations of the False Claims
Act and other incidents involving time and attendance fraud, falsified test results, Anti-Deficiency Act
violations, and anti-competitive business practices.
INTERNET CONTACT – These offenses include incidents in which an adult communicates with either a child
under the age of 18 or an undercover officer/agent who is posing as a child under the age of 18, over the
internet for the purpose of one or more of the following:
▫ Sexually explicit conversations
▫ Requesting nude/sexual photographs and/or videos of the victim
▫ Subject sends nude/sexual photographs and/or videos to the victim
▫ Solicitation of a minor to meet in person for sexual acts
▫ Exploitation
APPENDIX B – GLOSSARY OF TERMS
DEPARTMENT OF NAVY
30
SECTION 4
| APPENDICES
35
DoD Instruction, Number 5505.10, Incorporating Change 1, Effective April 28, 2020, Criminal Investigations of Noncombat Deaths.
36
SECNAV Instruction, Number 5430.92B, Assignment of Responsibilities to Counteract Acquisition Fraud, Waste, and Related Improprieties,
Effective June 11, 2018.
MANNER OF DEATH – The legal classification of death, whether it be natural, unnatural or undeterminable.
35
PROCUREMENT FRAUD – Unlawful manipulation of the procurement process to acquire contracts, goods or
services or to obtain an unfair advantage during the process.
36
RAPE – Use of force to restrain or compel submission, or cause or threaten grevious bodily harm, or drug or
otherwise render unconscious.
SEXUAL ACT – (1) Penetration, however slight, of the penis into the vulva or anus or mouth; or (2) Contact
between the mouth and the penis, vulva, scrotum, or anus; or (3) the penetration, however slight, of the
vulva or penis or anus of another by any part of the body or any object, with an intent to abuse, humiliate,
harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
SEXUAL ASSAULT – Use of fraud, fear, or the victim’s inability to consent due to sleep, intoxication, or
physical/mental defect.
SEXUAL CONTACT – Touching, or causing another person to touch, either directly or through the clothing, the
genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, or
degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION - CHILD – Used for all investigations involving child pornography, on-line enticement
of children to include attempts to meet a minor for sexual activity, commercial sexual exploitation of
children, and child sex tourism.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT – Conduct that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and
deliberate or repeated offensive comments or gestures of a sexual nature.
2022
