AWOL Soldier Detained, Charged for Child Pornography, Serves Less Than 12 Months

CASE 2019-07 | SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII | ARMY E-3

AWOL Soldier Detained, Charged for Child Pornography, Serves Less Than 12 Months

July 2019
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
Army Private First Class – E-3
Allegations: Possession of Child Pornography and Desertion for Six Years
An Army Soldier deserted his unit after being accused of possession of child pornography. Because the desertion happened prior to the arraignment, the case could not proceed because the service member was in an AWOL status.
Six years after his initial desertion, he was picked up by law enforcement, placed in pre-trial confinement, and tried at a general court-martial, where he pleaded guilty to desertion under Article 85 and possessing and viewing child pornography under Article 134.
After being retained, Bilecki's team negotiated a plea deal with confinement capped at 24 months. At trial, the Soldier was awarded four and a half months of credit for pretrial confinement and sentenced to 18 months confinement, reduction to E1, full forfeitures, and DD.
Result: Sentenced to 18 months confinement, reduction to E-1, total forfeitures, and a Dishonorable Discharge. He served less than 12 months.