The second-highest ranking official of the V.I. National Guard is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into sexual harassment charges against him.
National Guard spokesman Osbert Potter said Wednesday night that Col. Edward "Eddie" Charles, the guard's chief of staff, has been on leave since last month when the investigation began. While declining to identify who brought the charges against Charles, Potter did say he expects the case to take "about two months to resolve."
Potter said any time such a complaint is filed against a guardsman it is thoroughly investigated.
"Both Col. Charles and his accuser will have the opportunity to defend their case," Potter added.
Charles has been with the National Guard for more than two decades and has been chief of staff since January 1998. Col. Marion Petersen is acting chief of staff in Charles' absence, Potter said.
