Reps., Wenstrup, Murphy, Hudson open inquiry into status of Lt. Col Stuart Scheller
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), alongside Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), and Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08) have sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro to inquire about the status of Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller in response to significant public concern.
Lt. Col. Scheller has gained notable media attention this month after he openly criticized the Biden administration for their handling of the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal.
The letter reads:
The Honorable Carlos Del Toro
Secretary of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20350-1000
Dear Mr. Secretary,
We have been receiving numerous constituent inquiries as to the status of Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller, USMC.
As you know, Lt. Col. Scheller has direct ties to our states. He resides in North Carolina, which is also home to about 42,000-plus Marines and sailors. He is also from Ohio's Second District, and his family still resides there. Therefore, we respectfully request to receive a full accounting of his status as soon as you are able to provide it.
Please answer the below questions.
1. Have charges been preferred against Lt. Col. Scheller?
2. If so, when were those charges preferred?
3. What articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is Lt. Col. Scheller accused of violating?
4. What is the justification as to why Lt. Col. Scheller is in pretrial confinement?
5. Why were lesser forms of constraint deemed not adequate?
6. Has Lt. Col. Scheller been assigned legal counsel through Defense Service Offices (DSO)?
7. Are you aware of whether Lt. Col. Scheller has been afforded the opportunity to obtain civilian legal counsel?
8. Please clarify the schedule of when and where his hearings will be held.
In addition to a written response to these questions, we would also like to request a briefing from the appropriate USMC and/or Navy staff to discuss the ongoing matter.
Many thanks for your prompt response to our request.