SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A sailor accused of starting the fire that destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard was arraigned in military court Thursday morning.
Seaman Ryan Mays, 20, was charged with Hazarding of a Vessel and Aggravated Arson.
Unlike civilian court, he was not required to enter a plea during the hearing.
He will have the choice between a jury trial or a bench trial. His decision will be entered at a later date.
Even though the military officer presiding over his Article 32 hearing recommended Mays not be sent to trial for the 2020 blaze, a court martial was ordered for Seaman Mays last month by the Navy.
Mays' former civilian attorney, Gary Barthel, was not at the arraignment.
Barthel told CBS 8 he is no longer representing Mays, but is hoping to be brought back on the case if Mays' family is able to raise enough money to pay for private representation. Barthel said he represented Mays at his Article 32 hearing pro bono.
"In my opinion, in my personal opinion, it seems to me that the Navy is seeking to make Seaman Mays a scapegoat for this fire," said Barthel during an interview Thursday. "Based on the evidence and the recommendation of the preliminary hearing officer, it’s not their goal to seek justice, but rather to make Seaman Mays a scapegoat."
Barthel said it was the Navy who appointed the presiding officer, yet still chose to overrule her decision.
CBS 8 reached out to the Navy for comment. A spokesperson said he had no comment due to the ongoing litigation.
A date was not set for Seaman Mays' trial, however, both sides have requested it begin in the fall of 2022.
PHOTOS: Fire crews responded to a fire and explosion onboard a Navy ship at Naval Base San Diego on Sunday, July 12, 2020
WATCH RELATED: Sailor faces judge in fire that destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard.