High-Ranking Navy Officer Acquitted In Harassment Case Capt. Greene Had Been Accused Of ‘Unduly Familiar Relationship’

The highest ranking Navy officer to face a court-martial in more than five decades was acquitted Thursday of criminal charges that he had an overly personal relationship with a female subordinate who felt harassed because he sent her cards and letters, and talked to her about his family.

The trial of Capt. Everett L. Greene, 47, who headed the Navy’s equal opportunity division at the time of the events that prompted the case, troubled many current and former naval officers who called it an example of the service’s overzealous approach to sexual harassment in the post-Tailhook era.

The foreman of the eight-member jury, which deliberated for seven hours, said the panel was not convinced by the evidence. “We dealt not in impressions or innuendos, but on the facts,” said Rear Adm. Steven R. Briggs, who would not elaborate. Nevertheless, he added, “I would be a liar if I said (the decision) was not difficult.”

Greene never touched his main accuser, Lt. Mary E. Felix, or asked her for a sexual relationship. He also did not hinder her career, but in fact helped promote her with the encouragement of his superiors. But the prosecution argued that the two flirted and that Greene’s sexually-implicit notes indicated he had lust in his heart for what it called the “immature” officer.

Greene maintained his actions were only meant to boost the young officer’s morale at a time when she was having personal troubles. After the verdict, he said he harbored no ill-will against the Navy or Felix.

“Unfortunately you cannot protect yourself from someone taking something out of context,” said Greene. “I will continue to make myself available to people.”

Greene, who is married and has three children, was charged with three counts of “engaging in an unduly familiar personal relationship” with Felix, one count of creating a hostile work environment by sexual harassing her and one count of conduct unbecoming an officer.

Last week the judge, Marine Col. H.K. Jowers, dropped two other charges against Greene involving a second female subordinate for insufficient evidence.

Greene’s selection as rear admiral had been on hold since the investigation began. Navy Secretary John H. Dalton still has the authority to stop his promotion, as does any member of the Senate, which must approve nominees.

The fact that the case became a criminal matter indicates just how unsettled the relationship between the sexes is in the Navy, and how strict the Navy leadership has become in trying to wipe out questionable behavior. The Navy, which has been more aggressive in integrating women at nearly all levels than any other service, could have chosen not to pursue the case after the investigation.

“This is a result of a breakdown in communication between the sexes,” said Capt. Theodore Grabowsky, a retired commando who testified on Greene’s behalf. “Nobody knows what the hell to do. There needs to be some sense of compassion all the way around.”