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Former leader of SEAL Group 8 pleads guilty to DWI

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Capt. Richard A. Zaszewski, a former Virginia Beach-based commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group Eight, went before a judge on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to a DWI.

On Jan. 19 around 3 a.m., Zaszewski was pulled over, with court records stating he was “weaving in and out of lane,” and was unable to maintain a traffic stop. He was found to have a blood alcohol content of .18, more than twice the legal limit of .8.


According to a press release from the Navy, Zaszewski was relieved of his role as the commanding officer of SEAL Group 8 on March 20, due to a “loss of confidence in his ability to command.”

The report stated Zaszewski failed to “initially report the infraction to his bosses.”

As a part of the plea, Zaszewski will serve five days behind bars, six months probation with good behavior and pay a $250 fine. He is also required to use an ignition interlock device for 12 months.

Zaszewski will surrender to the sheriff’s department on July 8 to serve the five-day sentence.