Missing man alive albeit disoriented

The Coast Guard was investigating Russell Matthews when he vanished

By Leila Fujimori

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 23, 2013

~~<p>A 15-year veteran Coast Guardsman who surfaced Sunday after disappearing four months ago and touching off an extensive air, land and water search is the subject of an investigation into drug use, a Coast Guard spokesman said Tuesday.</p>
<p>At the time of his disappearance, Petty Officer 1st Class Russell Matthews was being investigated for illegal use of drugs, specifically marijuana, said Coast Guard spokesman Chief Warrant Officer Gene Maestas. Illegal drug use is an offense that could result in a Coast Guard member's discharge.</p>
~~

A 15-year veteran Coast Guardsman who surfaced Sunday after disappearing four months ago and touching off an extensive air, land and water search is the subject of an investigation into drug use, a Coast Guard spokesman said Tuesday.

At the time of his disappearance, Petty Officer 1st Class Russell Matthews was being investigated for illegal use of drugs, specifically marijuana, said Coast Guard spokesman Chief Warrant Officer Gene Maestas. Illegal drug use is an offense that could result in a Coast Guard member's discharge. Login for more...