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 charged at a general court martial with Article 85, UCMJ (Desertion – 6 years) and Article 134, UCMJ (possessing and viewing child pornography) at the guilty plea.
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 Allen credit and sentenced to 18 months confinement, reduction to E1, full forfeitures, and DD.
Defending Service Members Globally
Wherever Duty Calls, Our Defense Follows
