A Marine Corps recruiter who self-published a memoir describing an alleged sexual relationship with a recruit has been removed from his position pending the results of an internal investigation.
Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Champagne, 36, last month published an account of what he called a “scandalous romantic relationship” with a young would-be recruit.
Excerpts from the since-deleted memoir reviewed by Military.com reportedly “paint a disturbing picture of an adult man in a position of power within the Marine Corps engaging in sexual activity with a potential recruit.”
In a creepy twist, the subject of his story, nicknamed “Cosette” in the book, “needed her parents’ consent to join the army,” implying that she was under 18 years old.
A spokesperson for his command confirmed to Military.com that although Champagne remains on active duty, he will no longer perform recruiting duties at the Fort Worth Recruiting Station until the investigation resulting from details in his book is completed.
A 36-year-old Marine Corps recruiter was removed from his position after he self-published a memoir containing details of an alleged sexual relationship with a young would-be recruit. Michael Dalton
“The type of conduct we are discussing is not at all representative of Recruiting Station Fort Worth, the 8th Marine Corps Recruiting District or the Marine Corps in general,” Capt. Bryanna Kessler told the outlet.
“We don’t support people who don’t fit our…spirit,” he said. “And if people are not willing to comply, they are no longer welcome to serve in our ranks. … That is not representative of what we believe as an institution.”
A Marine Corps spokesperson told Military.com that the recruiter’s conduct is “not at all representative” of the Marine Corps. Michael Dalton
Kessler said the Champagne command had been in contact with the family of the girl featured in the book to ensure “the family understood that the justice system is working and the command has taken action. He is not in contact. … She is in no danger of him contacting her.”
In excerpts from the memoir, which Military.com said it received from Champagne’s former in-laws, he detailed the alleged relationship, including how she stayed with him “three or four nights a week” and how he hid the fact that she He had unprotected sexual relations with her.
Kessler said both the Marine Corps and NCIS were investigating the case, but the service declined to confirm their involvement.
“NCIS takes allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously,” NCIS spokesman Jeff Houston told Military.com. “Out of respect for the investigative process and to protect the privacy of victims, NCIS does not comment on, confirm related details or confirm the existence of ongoing investigations involving allegations of sexual misconduct.”
NCIS did not respond to the Post’s request for comment by press time.
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