Marine facing trial after desertion

Associated Press

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.

A U.S. Marine who vanished from his post in Iraq a decade ago and later wound up in Lebanon chose Monday to have his case decided by a military judge instead of a jury.

Court was recessed until today, when opening statements are expected in Cpl. Wassef Hassoun’s trial on charges of desertion, larceny and destruction of property before the judge, Marine Maj. Nicholas Martz.

Hassoun also formally conceded that his second disappearance began with an unauthorized absence, entering a guilty plea to the lesser offense.