U.S. Army Detains Private Travis King on Multiple Charges, Raising Questions About the Safety of U.S. Soldiers Deployed Abroad

The U.S. Army has detained Private Travis King, who was returned to the United States earlier this month after fleeing to North Korea. King is facing charges including desertion, assaulting other soldiers and officers, and possessing sexual images of a child.

According to documents obtained by CBS News, King is accused of eight total charges, including making false statements and disobeying superior officers. If convicted on the peacetime desertion charge, King could face a three-year prison sentence.

King’s mother, Claudine Gates, released a statement expressing her concern for her son’s mental health and asserting his right to the presumption of innocence. “A mother knows her son, and I believe something happened to mine while he was deployed,” she said.

The Army has yet to publicly announce the charges against King. Two officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, confirmed the charges.

The incident has raised questions about the safety of U.S. soldiers deployed abroad. It is unclear what led to King’s decision to flee to North Korea, but the incident has highlighted the need for the U.S. military to ensure the safety of its personnel.