VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Additional details have unfolded on the circumstances surrounding the firing of the commanding officer of SEAL Group 8.
Published reports say Capt. Richard A. Zaszewski was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Virginia Beach, but he didn’t tell superiors until weeks later.
Zaszewski was photographed for a booking photo and was fingerprinted after a traffic stop at an undisclosed location. He allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .18, more than twice the legal limit of .08. Court documents reviewed by 10 On Your Side show he was pulled over around 3 a.m. on Jan. 19.
Court records stated that he was “weaving in and out of lane, and fail (sic) to maintain traffic stop.”
The bail determination sheet states that he admitted to drinking, and he was released on a $2,000 unsecured bond. He appeared in court Feb. 2, and he is scheduled for a second appearance May 15.
According to a report published March 20 in Navy Times, “… he did not initially report the alleged infraction to his bosses. Zaszewski self-reported the incident last week, which led to his relief,” according to a defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
This is the sad end to a long history of service to the country that included nearly two decades with East Coast-based special warfare units. According to service records, he received several military awards, including the Silver Star and three Bronze Stars, according to The Hill.
Court records also state this was the captain’s first alleged case of DWI.
Zaszewski was released to the custody of Deputy Commodore Stig Sanness who, according to The Hill, has assumed Zaszewski’s role at SEAL Group 8.