By James Myers, OAN Staff
Monday, August 26, 2024 3:10 p.m.
A U.S. Army private who defected across the South Korean border into North Korea has announced he will plead guilty to desertion and assault as part of a plea deal, his lawyer said.
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Travis King will also plead guilty to failing to comply with an officer’s orders and assaulting a non-commissioned officer, his attorney, Frank Rosenblatt, said. CNN on monday.
“U.S. Army Private First Class Travis King takes responsibility for his actions and pleads guilty. He was charged by the Army with 14 offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” Rosenblatt said in a statement. “He pleads guilty to five counts, including desertion.”
“He will plead not guilty to the remaining charges, which the Army will withdraw and dismiss,” he added.
“Travis’ guilty plea will be entered into a court-martial where he will explain what he did, answer the military judge’s questions and explain why he is pleading guilty, and will be sentenced,” Rosenblatt said. “Travis is grateful to his friends and family for their support, and to all those around him who did not prejudge his case based on the original charges.”
Additionally, King plans to plead not guilty to a charge of possessing child pornography, but his lawyer expects the charge will be dropped.
King caused an international incident in July last year when he encountered North Korean forces in the Joint Security Area of the Demilitarized Zone and was held by North Korean authorities for more than two months.
He fled to North Korea after being released from a Seoul prison for hitting someone with a club.
He is expected to plead guilty and “explain what he did” at a court-martial on September 20 at Fort Bliss, Texas.NumberHis lawyer added that a sentence would also be handed down there.
“Travis is grateful to his friends and family for their support and to all those around him who did not prejudge his case based on initial suspicions,” Rosenblatt said.
This is breaking news, please check back for the latest updates.
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