Navy Players Arrested for Rape

July 3 -- Two Naval Academy football players have been charged with the alleged rape of a female midshipman at an off-campus party last week.

Arion Keith Williams and Cordrea Brittingham, both sophomores last year for the Naval Academy football team at Annapolis, were arrested today and charged with second-degree rape and second-degree sexual offense. Prosecutors also charged Williams with a third-degree sex offense.

According to Anne Arundel County police, the alleged assault occurred on the evening of June 29 at a party off the Naval Academy at a residence in Arnold, Md. The victim told police that she became intoxicated at the party and passed out in one of the bedrooms. When she awoke, the victim said, she found herself being attacked by Williams and Brittingham. The victim told police that she pushed the two suspects away and immediately left the party. The North Arundel Hospital reported the victim’s alleged rape to police at approximately 2 a.m.

Investigation ContinuesPolice say the Naval Investigative Criminal Service helped them with the investigation. After meeting with police officials, the Anne Arundel County State Attorney’s Office decided to arrest Williams and Brittingham. Both are being held on $250,000 bond at the Arundel County Detention Center, said police officer Tom O’Connor. Because the investigation is ongoing, police refused to comment on whether the victim pointed out the suspects in a police lineup or knew the suspects before the party.

Brittingham is a running back for the Naval Academy while Williams is a cornerback. Despite helping police with the investigation, officials at the Naval Academy refused comment on the allegations against Williams and Brittingham or their future with the Academy.

“Because the state attorney general and the Ann Arundal district attorney officials have primary jurisdiction in this case, it would be inappropriate for the Naval Academy to discuss the allegations,” said Academy spokesman Cmdr. Mike Brady in a statement.