2 Marines in Presidential Detail Charged With Assaulting Woman

Two Marines assigned to President Clinton’s helicopter detail have been charged with assaulting a woman last month in Hartford, Conn., according to the state’s attorney.

Sgt. Phillip Mitchell, 25, and Cpl. Clint Dodson, 22, were in Hartford as part of Clinton’s visit last month, Hartford police said.

Police Sgt. Neil Dryfe said Mitchell and Dodson were arrested Oct. 14 outside the Ramada Inn in downtown Hartford and charged with third-degree assault and breach of peace.

A waitress, Jennifer Altamos of Windsor Locks, Conn., said she was standing in the hotel parking lot with her roommate when “two guys came up and started talking.” She said the men were in civilian clothes.

“It turned into an argument, and they were cussing at us,” said Altamos, 22. “Then I got hit in the eye. They chipped a tooth.”

Neither Mitchell nor Dodson could be reached for comment, and a Quantico Marine base spokesman said both were on holiday leave.

Lt. Scott Gordon, a Quantico spokesman, said the two Marines have a different story than the one told by Altamos.

Gordon said that the Marines are part of the helicopter detail that flies with the President.

Marines in that detail, sometimes called the honor guard or special detachment, stand outside the President’s helicopter when he boards and leaves.