Civilian Indicted for Sexual Assault at NAS Pensacola

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Edwin C. Mitchell, 49, of Ellenwood, Georgia, appeared in federal court today on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual conduct, according to Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The three-count indictment charges Mitchell with causing the victim to engage in sexual acts and sexual conduct by using force, by placing her in fear, and by doing so against her will on or about December 15, 2012.  If convicted of the aggravated sexual abuse charge, Mitchell faces a possible maximum term of life imprisonment.  Mitchell is scheduled for trial on July 8, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. 

The charges result from an investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Kim and Randy Hensel.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial in a court of law.