Army Private to Plead Guilty to Desertion and Multiple Charges

An Army private who fled to North Korea over a year ago will plead guilty to desertion and four other charges. His attorney confirmed this, noting that nine other charges, including possession of sexual images of a child, will be dismissed. A plea hearing is scheduled for Sept. 20 at Fort Bliss, Texas.

An Army private who fled to North Korea over a year ago will plead guilty to desertion and four additional charges. His lawyer revealed on Monday that he will take responsibility for his actions.

Franklin D. Rosenblatt, the attorney for Private King, told The Associated Press that King plans to admit guilt to military offenses, including desertion and assaulting an officer. Under the plea deal, nine other charges, which include possession of sexual images of a child, will be dismissed.

Private King will face a plea hearing on Sept. 20 at Fort Bliss, Texas, to discuss his actions. His earlier departure from South Korea made him the first American detained in North Korea in nearly five years. After serving prison time in South Korea, he evaded military escort and crossed the fortified border into North Korea.

Following a brief detainment in North Korea, he was expelled and returned to Texas on Sept. 28. The US military has since charged him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for various offenses dating back to his release from South Korean prison.

(With inputs from agencies.)