The Marine Corps has launched an investigation right into a serviceman accused of sending specific photographs to ladies and misrepresenting himself on-line to govern his targets, a few of whom have been youthful and decrease rank.

Main Basic Jo Clyborne took to Twitter on Jan. 1 to ask for info figuring out a non-commissioned officer who was sending "inappropriate photos" utilizing direct messages. The tweet has been retweeted roughly 2,800 occasions.

Clyborne, an assistant adjutant basic primarily based in St. Paul, Minnesota, mentioned in a follow-up tweet that she had recognized the unit and the command of the officer.

"I wished to make sure accountability and a report was made, as Twitter accounts could be nameless," she mentioned.

Clyborne's submit acquired the eye of a two-star deputy commanding basic on the Military's Cyber Middle of Excellence, and the Marine Corps launched a probe into the accusations, stories Stars and Stripes.

The Marine Corps didn't reply to a request for remark from Newsweek Tuesday night.

Vanessa Guillen Memorial
A U.S. Marine is below investigation, accused of sexually harassing and manipulating ladies on-line. Above, Gloria Guillen attends a memorial service for her daughter, U.S. Military Specialist Vanessa Guillen at Chavez Excessive College in 2020, in Houston, Texas. Guillen's homicide put a highlight on sexual harassment within the U.S. navy. Marie D. De JESUS/Getty Photos

The accused Marine has not been recognized however was utilizing the now-defunct Twitter deal with @usemcee that was well-known within the navy group.

Earlier than the account went darkish Dec. 31, it tweeted out a imprecise apology advising to not "ship unsolicited photographs and commentary to anybody ever with out specific permission," stories Job & Goal.

"I did simply that and now they're uncomfortable and I misplaced belief from a group that believed in me," the tweet mentioned.

Dozens of ladies have accused the Marine of partaking in a sample of mendacity and manipulative habits to elicit pity, emotional gratification, nude photographs and generally intercourse, stories Stars and Stripes.

The Marine informed ladies he was the "Marine Corps model of James Bond" working in particular operations, the paper stories. He's additionally accused of directing sexual consideration at lower-ranking Marines or a lot youthful ROTC cadets. The Marine reportedly initiated non-public conversations to assist ladies with private difficulties to construct belief. He additionally informed them tales about being celibate or planning to undertake his dying feminine roommate's baby.

"He is actually mendacity about his complete life," one girl who acquired an unsolicited photograph informed the paper.

The Marine despatched ladies undesirable photos of his genitals and prompt to at least one that they get "blackout drunk and have intercourse," in keeping with Stars and Stripes. About 35 ladies have began a gaggle chat to debate their experiences about him.

Not In My Marine Corps, a gaggle searching for to finish sexual harassment within the armed forces, responded to the information on Twitter by asking what number of mentioned nothing once they knew of the Marine's alleged habits.

"You're simply as a lot a part of the issue as he's," the group mentioned on Twitter.

President Joe Biden in December authorized over two dozen suggestions from an impartial fee relating to sexual assault within the U.S. armed forces. Of the adjustments authorized by Biden consists of eradicating the power of commanders to determine whether or not to prosecute sexual assault circumstances.

The U.S. navy has seen a rise in sexual assault incidents, rising 13 p.c in 2018 adopted by 3 p.c development in 2019, in keeping with the Related Press.