Athlete at Naval Academy is charged with rape

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- In another embarrassment for one of the nation's service academies, Navy quarterback Lamar Owens has been charged with raping a female midshipman in her dormitory room.

Owens, a 22-year-old senior from Savannah, Ga., was charged under the military code of justice because the alleged attack took place on the grounds of the US Naval Academy, academy spokesman Commander Rod Gibbons said yesterday.

''He remains assigned to the Naval Academy and will continue to attend class, performing other duties normally assigned to midshipmen pending results of the investigation," Gibbons said.

Investigators said Owens attacked the woman last month after entering her room in Bancroft Hall without her consent.

Gibbons said the academy was offering counseling to the woman, whose name was not released by the school. Owens was not made available for comment.

An Article 32 hearing, similar to a civilian grand jury inquiry, will be held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a court-martial. The Naval Criminal Investigation Service is handling the inquiry.

Owens guided Navy's football team to an 8-4 season record that included victories over Air Force and Army, and a victory in the Poinsettia Bowl over Colorado State.