Woman Pleads Guilty to False Statement Regarding Sexual Assault

NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake woman pleaded guilty today to lying to Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigators about an alleged sexual assault that occurred aboard Naval Station Norfolk.

According to court documents, in July 2018 Miranda H. Overton, 21, made a report to NCIS alleging that an active duty Navy sailor sexually assaulted her. After opening an investigation into the alleged assault, the alleged perpetrator was interviewed, and he explained that he had consensual sex with Overton after they met on an online dating application. Investigators then obtained surveillance video from the day of the alleged assault revealing that Overton and the sailor kissed in the elevator immediately prior to the alleged assault. Furthermore, investigators obtained Overton’s statement during her sexual assault forensic examination where she admitted that prior to meeting with alleged perpetrator they agreed to have sexual intercourse. Investigators subsequently interviewed Overton a second time during which she admitted her allegation was false and had made another false allegation in the past. Overton admitted that she fabricated the allegation out of fear that her significant other would end their relationship if the significant other became aware that Overton had sex with the sailor.

Overton pleaded guilty to making a false statement or representation made to a department or agency of the United States and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on June 3. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Cliff Everton, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Heck is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-004.