Travis King, the U.S. Army soldier who ran across the border from South Korea to North Korea last year will plead guilty, to desertion and assault charges as part of a plea deal, according to his attorney.
At a court hearing on Sept. 20 at Fort Bliss, Texas, King is expected to plead guilty to five of the 14 charges he is facing. The five charges include one for desertion, three for disobeying a lawful order, and one for assault on a non-commissioned officer.
King’s attorney, Franklin Rosenblatt, disclosed the plea deal in a statement provided today to ABC News. The possibility of a plea deal for King’s case first came to light in mid-July.
U.S. soldier Travis King is seen in this undated photo.
Claudine Gates
“US Army Private Travis King will take responsibility for his conduct and enter a guilty plea,” Rosenblatt’s statement read. “He was charged by the Army with fourteen offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He will plead guilty to five of those, including desertion.”
“He will plead not guilty to the remaining offenses, which the Army will withdraw and dismiss,” he adds.
“Travis’s guilty plea will be entered at a general court-martial. There he will explain what he did, answer a military judge’s questions about why he is pleading guilty, and be sentenced,” said Rosenblatt. “Travis is grateful to his friends and family who have supported him, and to all outside of his circle who did not pre-judge his case based on the initial allegations.”
At the Sept. 20 hearing, a military judge will determine whether to accept the deal and how much time King should serve in a military prison.
In July 2023, King crossed into North Korea, triggering an international incident when he was held by North Korean authorities for more than two months after he dashed into North Korea at the Joint Security Area at the DMZ. Prior to joining the tour group that brought him to the DMZ King had escaped from his Army escort at the airport where he was to have boarded a flight to take him back to the United States.
Army soldier Travis King is set to plead guilty to desertion after entering North Korea, according to his attorney. The case has garnered significant attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding King’s actions.
King, a member of the U.S. Army, went missing in 2020 while stationed in South Korea. He was later discovered in North Korea, a country known for its strict control over its borders and limited contact with the outside world. King’s decision to cross into North Korea raised questions about his motives and mental state.
According to his attorney, King will plead guilty to desertion in a military court. Desertion is a serious offense in the military, carrying potential penalties such as imprisonment and dishonorable discharge. King’s guilty plea indicates that he accepts responsibility for his actions and is willing to face the consequences.
The case highlights the challenges faced by military personnel, particularly those stationed in sensitive regions like South Korea. The stress and pressure of military life can take a toll on individuals, leading some to make impulsive or irrational decisions. It also underscores the importance of mental health support and resources for service members, to help them cope with the demands of their duties.
King’s case is a reminder of the sacrifices and risks that military personnel face in their service to their country. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of desertion and the importance of following orders and protocols. As King prepares to plead guilty and face the consequences of his actions, his case serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with serving in the military.
