Drill instructor gets 10 years behind bars for Parris Island hazing scandal

Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Felix will spend the next 10 years in prison after a court-martial sentenced him Friday for abusing recruits at Parris Island, one of whom jumped over a stairwell and fell to his death after Felix slapped him.

Felix will also be reduced in rank to E1, forfeit all pay and allowances, and he will ultimately receive a dishonorable discharge, said Capt. Joshua Pena, a spokesman for Training and Education Command.

The former drill instructor was taken into custody on Friday and will initially be held in the brig at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Pena told Marine Corps Times. Prosecutors recommended that Felix be sentenced to seven years in prison, but his defense attorney asked military jurors to only give him 30 days’ confinement.