A U.S. military offcer haspleaded guilty to beating an Iraqi and threatening to kill him during questioning. I’m shocked, but not surprised. Maybe I shouldn’t even be shocked.
An American lieutenant colonel pleaded guilty to beating an Iraqi detainee and threatening to kill him during an interrogation, but will be fined and allowed to retire rather than face a court-martial, the military said Saturday.
Lt. Col. Allen B. West was found guilty of three counts of aggravated assault and one count of communicating a threat, according to a statement from the divisional press center.
West is the most senior officer of the 4th Infantry Division to face disciplinary proceedings in Iraq. His punishment was reduced because of his good record and the difficult environment, the military said.
At a military pretrial hearing Friday, Gen. Raymond Odierno, who commands 4th Infantry Division based in Tikrit, fined West $5,000, relieved him from his post and forwarded his request for retirement next spring for approval.
Early retirement and a fine, huh?