Charges Dropped for Soldier

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Navy has dropped dismissal proceedings against a South Carolina-based sailor who was charged with unprofessional conduct after he was found in the same bed with another male sailor.

Navy spokesman Thomas Dougan confirmed Friday that the Navy no longer has a dismissal case pending against Petty Officer Stephen Jones.

Dougan said he could not discuss details of the case. Jones’ attorney Gary Myers did not immediately return a phone message.

Jones had contested his discharge for dereliction of duty. Myers and an advocacy group for gay service members had said the Navy wanted to get rid of him because he was suspected of being gay.

Jones and another sailor were discovered in the same bunk after falling asleep while watching a television show in February.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All rights reserved.)