American Soldier Taken Into Custody for Desertion Upon Defection to North Korea

A US Army private named Travis King, aged 23, has been apprehended and is currently facing charges of desertion after escaping to North Korea. King recently returned to the United States under unclear circumstances.

He is now being charged with eight offenses, including desertion and possession of child pornography.

These serious accusations have been confirmed by officials in a statement to the press. This case has sparked a widespread debate about the behavior of military personnel and the consequences they may face.

The US Army charged Private Travis King with crimes ranging from desertion for running into North Korea in July to assault against fellow soldiers and solicitation of child pornography https://t.co/26f8bnv2Zp pic.twitter.com/NGdcdgdu2S

— Reuters (@Reuters) October 20, 2023

In a heartfelt plea, King’s mother, Claudine Gates, asked the public to presume her son’s innocence. She stated, “A mother knows her son, and I believe something happened to mine while he was deployed.” This highlights the emotional toll this situation has taken on the family.

According to reports, King had previously served in South Korea and ran into North Korea while on a civilian tour of a border village on July 18. This made him the first confirmed American detainee in the isolated country in almost five years.

At the time of his disappearance, he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, after being released from prison in South Korea for an assault conviction.

Although King was declared Absent Without Leave (AWOL) from the Army, he was not immediately considered a deserter. The consequences for going AWOL can vary significantly depending on whether the service member voluntarily returns or is apprehended.

King’s two-month absence and subsequent handover by the North Koreans further complicates the matter.

Another pedo

Black US Army private who fled to North Korea over ‘racism’ faces child porn, desertion chargeshttps://t.co/5jcoG55hSs https://t.co/5jcoG55hSs

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 20, 2023

After being detained in North Korea for two months, King was announced to be sent back to the United States by Pyongyang. He was flown to an Air Force base in Texas.

At the time, officials admitted they did not know the exact reason why North Korea chose to release King, but speculated that as a low-ranking serviceman, he held no significant value in terms of leverage or information.

Desertion is a grave offense in the military and can result in severe penalties. Deserters can face imprisonment of up to three years or even the death penalty in war times.

As this case continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the strict discipline and high standards expected of those who serve in the nation’s armed forces.

This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.