Topline
Travis King, the soldier who deliberately crossed into North Korea in July before being expelled from the country last month, is reportedly facing multiple charges including desertion and possession of child sexual abuse material.
A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul … [+]
Key Facts
The 23-year-old is facing eight separate changes, some of which could result in a prison sentence for the Army private, both Reuters and the Associated Press reported.
The military’s chargesheet alleges King intended to permanently stay away from service after leaving the Army in South Korea and notes he was “absent in desertion” till September 27 when he was finally expelled by North Korean officials.
King is also accused of knowingly in possessing child sexual abuse material that he solicited from a user on Snapchat.
Other charges against the soldier stem from his alleged misconduct while serving in Korea including assaulting other officers, unlawfully possessing alcohol and violating his base’s curfew rules.
According to Reuters, King’s family has hired Bowe Bergdahl’s former lawyer to help with the legal defense.
What To Watch For
If King is found to be guilty of desertion he could face up to a three-year prison sentence along with a dishonorable discharge and be forced to forfeit all pay and allowances.
Key Background
King fled across the border into North Korea while visiting the Panmunjom Joint Security Area in July with a group of tourists. At the time the U.S. military said he had crossed into the country of his own free will, while dressed as a civilian. The private had been on deployment with the Army in South Korea since 2022, but he ran into trouble after an altercation with locals, which led to his arrest. King pleaded guilty and was held for 47 days in a detention center in South Korea, before being released in July. The military then ordered him to fly back to Texas, but he managed to escape the airport just before his flight and joined a group of tourists on a trip to the border area. King was eventually expelled by North Korea last month and returned to the U.S. immediately. After returning, the private was taken to a military hospital near San Antonio, Texas for medical exams and a psychological assessment.
Further Reading
Travis King: Back In American Custody After Crossing North Korean Demilitarized Zone (Forbes)
Army private who fled to North Korea charged with desertion, held by US military, officials tell AP (Associated Press)
US Army charges Private Travis King with desertion over dash into North Korea (Reuters)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2023/10/20/soldier-who-entered-north-korea-reportedly-charged-with-desertion-and-possession-of-child-sexual-abuse-material/