The V.I. National Guards second in command, Col. Edward Charles, is back on duty despite an investigation into allegations he sexually harassed a subordinate.
Charles was placed on administrative leave in March by former VING Adj. Gen. Jean Romney when the allegations surfaced. But with Romneys retirement in June and the appointment of Cleave Antonio McBean as the new adjutant general, Charles was allowed back to work, according to Capt. Osbert Potter, VINGs public information officer.
"There is nothing saying you have to be on leave pending an investigation," Potter said. "That was just something decided by the previous adjutant general."
Potter said that until results of the investigation are released, Charles will be at work.
Meanwhile, the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the local Air National Guard. Charges have been brought against Lt. Col. David Stickley, commander of the 285th Combat Communications Squadron, and Lt. Col. Wilfred Davis, the squadrons executive support staff officer, alleging misuse of authority, discrimination and civil rights abuses.