US Soldier Freed by Military Judge After Serving Time for Desertion
Travis King, a US soldier who fled to North Korea, has been released by a military judge after serving time for desertion. King was sentenced to 12 months of confinement but was freed based on time served, his lawyer confirmed.
King pleaded guilty to five charges, including desertion and assault, in a plea deal accepted by a military judge in Fort Bliss, Texas. Originally facing 14 charges, the government dismissed nine after his guilty plea.
The soldier, stationed in South Korea, crossed into North Korea during a sightseeing trip in 2023. North Korea initially claimed he defected due to mistreatment in the US Army but later expelled him for illegal entry. King was returned to US custody in September 2023.
His lawyer cited a difficult upbringing, exposure to criminal environments, and mental health struggles as contributing factors to his actions. The US Army prosecutor acknowledged the seriousness of King’s offenses but stated the court martial outcome was fair and just.
[ad_2]
Source link
