Idaho U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl pleaded guilty Monday to two charges stemming walking away from his post in Afghanistan in 2009.
The 31-year-old soldier from Hailey, who spent nearly five years in captivity before being released in exchange for five Taliban prisoners, entered his plea before a military court at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He had been scheduled to go to trial later this month.
His lawyer says the prosecution and defense have not agreed to a stipulation of facts in the case, which is an indication that they did not reach a deal to limit his punishment. Bergdahl told the judge that he now understands that what he did caused others to search for him.
Bergdahl, who has been assigned to desk duty at a Texas Army base pending the outcome of his case, admitted to a general conducting a preliminary investigation that he walked away from his base without authorization. He said he left intending to cause alarm and draw attention to what he saw as problems with his unit. He was soon captured by the Taliban and turned over to the Haqqani Network.
The misbehavior charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, while desertion is punishable by up to five years. He is expected to be sentenced later this month. (Idaho Statesman)
