Officer suggests no jail time for Bergdahl

Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas

An Army officer is recommending that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl face a lower-level court martial and be spared the possibility of jail time for leaving his post in Afghanistan, his lawyer said Saturday.

Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban after leaving his post June 30, 2009, and held until last year, when he was exchanged for five Taliban commanders. His commanding officers in Afghanistan say a 45-day search for Bergdahl put soldiers in danger.

Military prosecutors charged Bergdahl in March with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, a charge that could carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

But defense attorney Eugene Fidell said Lt. Col. Mark Visger has recommended that Bergdahl’s case be referred to a special court martial, which is a misdemeanor-level forum.