Military News - Military Times

O-3 arrest prompts fraternization inquiry

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — An officer whose name made it into a local newspaper after he and his teenage son were arrested May 9 is now being investigated by his command.

That’s because the story in the Jacksonville Daily News informed its readers that Capt. Matthew Valiquette allegedly was sharing his bed with a female sergeant.

“Based on the information received by the Jacksonville Daily News, Capt. Valiquette’s command has initiated a preliminary inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the events on Friday evening,” Lt. Col. Curtis Hill, a II Marine Expeditionary Force spokesman, said in an e-mail responding to questions.

Sgt. Heather Post is also under investigation.

The captain and his son were arrested late May 9 by Onslow County Sheriff’s deputies on charges of obstructing and delaying a public officer in the performance of his duties, according to the newspaper. Valiquette, 38, was also charged with providing alcohol to a minor and his son, Jake Valiquette, 17, was charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor.

According to the paper, authorities responded to the home after receiving a noise complaint. The younger Valiquette told deputies his father was out of town. When a deputy called Matthew Valiquette’s cell phone, the teen’s father confirmed the information.

But when deputies searched the house with the permission of the teen, they found his father and the sergeant in a bedroom, according to the story.

Valiquette is assigned to 2nd Intelligence Battalion, II MEF. Post is assigned to Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.

“Once the investigations are completed, the respective commanders will determine if charges are warranted,” Hill said.