A high-ranking Marine is arrested and released from West Coast boot camp

A senior Marine was arrested by the Naval Criminal Investigation Service and discharged from a West Coast training command, Navy officials confirmed Monday.

Sergeant Major Gerardo Trevino of the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego was arrested by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) on Wednesday. The 38-year-old Marine is being held in custody while the NCIS conducts a “thorough investigation,” said Darwin Lam, an NCIS spokesman.

“Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not make any further comment while the investigation is ongoing,” said Lam, who did not disclose the allegations against Trevino.

Trevino was relieved of his command at West Coast Boot Camp on Thursday due to a “loss of confidence,” according to Capt. Austin Gallegos, spokesman for the recruit depot. Trevino was replaced by Col. Peter Rummler, commander of the Recruit Training Regiment.

“We will remain transparent on these issues, but will be careful not to interfere in administrative or legal proceedings,” Gallegos said.

The US military usually justifies the dismissal of leading politicians from positions of power with only a vague “loss of trust”.

Trevino's biography page on the Marine Corps Recruit Depot website was removed on Monday.

A native of McAllen, Texas, Trevino graduated from basic boot camp in December 2004. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of fourth award, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.