US Soldier Who Fled To North Korea Charged With Desertion

An Army private who fled to North Korea before being returned home to the United States last month has been detained by the U.S. Military, Officials have said and is facing charges including desertion and possessing sexual images of a child.

The eight counts against Pvt. Travis King are detailed in a charging document seen by The Associated Press.

The officials who confirmed King’s confinement spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the charges have not been publicly announced.

King’s mother, Claudine Gates, said in a statement that she loved her son “unconditionally” and was “extremely concerned about his mental health.”

“As his mother, I ask that my son be afforded the presumption of innocence,” she said.

Desertion is a very serious charge and can result in imprisonment for as much as three years.

AP