The Evening Star (May 2, 1946)
General court-martial ordered for Rollins in Annapolis case
ANNAPOLIS (AP) – Chief Steward Walter W. Rollins, 46, colored, had been accused officially by the Navy Department today of embezzlement, theft, drinking, gambling and permitting “loud and boisterous” conduct by unauthorized visitors to his quarters at the North Severn Officers’ Club, part of the Naval Academy.
Vice Adm. Aubrey W. Pitch, academy superintendent, announced that the secretary of the Navy had ordered a general court-martial for Rollins, to begin Monday or as soon thereafter as practicable. If Rollins requests time to prepare his defense the court-martial will be delayed a short while. The trial will be open to the press only.
The precept ordering the court-martial contained six charges and 18 specifications on those charges. By order of the secretary of the Navy, two of the charges and four specifications were not disclosed.
One of four held
Rollins was one of four Naval Academy personnel detained as the result of an investigation touched off by an early morning party in Rollins’ quarters February 10.
The others are Lt. William R. Sima Sr., suspended Naval Academy band leader; Musician 1/c Ernest Tomanio, bandsman, and Musician 1/c William R. Sima Jr. The younger Sima was found guilty in March at a summary court-martial of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. A sentence to a bad conduct discharge was remitted and he was placed on probation for six months. He has returned to duty.
The Naval Academy has said that a summary court will be held for Tomanio. Results of an extensive investigation have been sent to Washington, the academy has announced. If a trial for the suspended band leader is ordered, it will be a general court-martial.
Liquor theft charged
The first charge against Rollins accuses him of theft of “about 89 bottles of alcoholic beverage, totaling in value $267.” The embezzlement charge recited the same offense. The thefts started August 30, 1944, the specifications said.
The precept said Rollins had gambled “with cards for money” at various times in his quarters.
The fourth charge, of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline, specified several dates when Rollins is accused of permitting visitors in his room against Naval Academy regulations.
These parties, the specifications said, generally started after midnight. The Simas, their wives, and other civilians were listed as the visitors.
Other specifications charged him with drinking in violation of Naval Academy rules.
Faces seven-officer court
Cmdr. Russell C. Burke, aide to Adm. Fitch, announced the specifications. He said Rollins would be tried by a seven-officer board, headed by Capt. Ralph Earle Jr.
The judge advocate, or prosecuting officer, will be Capt. Jesse R. Wallace, Cmdr. Burke said. Counsel to Capt. Wallace will be Lt. Cmdr. William L. P. Burke, who prosecuted young Sima and assisted in the overall investigation.
Adm. Fitch’s aide refused to confirm or deny a report that Lt. Cmdr. Burke had asked to be relieved of active duty, effective May 6, the date the court-martial is scheduled to begin.
Adm. Fitch’s aide announced also that the limits of Lt. Sima’s detention had been extended to his home. This action will permit him to live at home, but the order requires him to stay within the Annapolis city limits. He had been detained previously aboard the Reina Mercedes, Naval Academy station ship.