“U.S. Soldier Who Fled to North Korea Set to Plead Guilty to Desertion”

U.S. soldier Travis King, who fled from South Korea to North Korea and was later returned to the U.S., plans to plead guilty to desertion and several other charges, according to his lawyer. The Army has charged King with 14 offenses related to his illegal crossing in July 2023. As part of a plea deal, he intends to plead guilty to five of those charges, including desertion and assault. His lawyer, Franklin Rosenblatt, stated that King will plead not guilty to the remaining charges, which the Army will then dismiss.

The plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 20 at Fort Bliss, Texas. Rosenblatt explained that during the general court-martial, King will provide an explanation for his actions, respond to the judge’s questions, and receive his sentence. King expressed gratitude for the support from his family, friends, and those who refrained from judging him prematurely.

Among the charges likely to be dismissed as part of the plea deal is possession of child pornography. King, who has been in the Army since January 2021, was in South Korea on a unit rotation when he crossed into North Korea. Prior to this incident, he had served two months in detention in South Korea for assaulting two individuals and damaging a police car. He was released from custody on July 10, eight days before crossing into North Korea.

King’s release from North Korea was facilitated by Swedish officials, who escorted him to the border with China. Details about his treatment in North Korea, the reasons for his flight, and Pyongyang’s decision to expel him remain unclear. The U.S. government has stated that no concessions were made to secure his return.