U.S. Army Private Travis King, who made headlines last year for running into North Korea and being taken into custody, has decided to plead guilty to five charges, including desertion. The charges against him range from desertion to assault against fellow soldiers and solicitation of child pornography. King will take responsibility for his actions and plead guilty to desertion, three counts of disobeying an officer, and assault on a noncommissioned officer. However, he will plead not guilty to the remaining offenses, which the Army will withdraw and dismiss.
King’s release from North Korean custody came after weeks of negotiations led by the Swedish government, who retrieved him in North Korea and handed him over to the U.S. ambassador in China. He had been detained in South Korea prior to his escapade to North Korea after facing assault allegations.
The guilty plea and sentencing hearing for King will take place on September 20 at Fort Bliss in Texas. Despite facing disciplinary action in the United States, King made the impulsive decision to run into North Korea while on his way home from South Korea. He was immediately taken into custody but was eventually released in September. King had joined the Army in January 2021 and had previously admitted to assault allegations during his time in South Korea.
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