Bowe Bergdahl Arraigned Sans Plea on Desertion, Misbehavior

U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was arraigned on Tuesday before a military judge to face charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy for disappearing in Afghanistan in 2009. He wouldn't enter a plea and didn't decide whether he wants to face a court-martial with a jury or with just a judge.

Bergdahl answered "yes" and "no" to questions about whether he understood his rights and the court proceedings, reported The Associated Press.

The disgraced soldier wore an Army dress uniform with a dark blue jacket and pants and had closely cropped hair. He mostly sat still in his chair and walked with his head down as he left the courtroom.

The short hearing was held at Fort Bragg, South Carolina.

If convicted at a general court-martial, Bergdahl could get life in prison on the misbehavior charge and up to five years for desertion.

Bergdahl, 29, of Hailey, Idaho, walked off his post in eastern Afghanistan's Paktika province on June 30, 2009. He was released in late May 2014 as part of a prisoner swap, in exchange for five detainees in Guantanamo Bay.


Related Stories:

• 'Serial' on Bowe Bergdahl's Case? Producers Sniff Around It
  
• Bergdahl Deal Doomed Kayla Mueller, Her Family Suggests