Posted on 12/09/2004 3:38:42 PM PST by Former Military Chick
Marine Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun of West Jordan, who has been the subject of a five-month investigation into his June disappearance from a U.S. military camp near Fallujah, Iraq, has been charged with desertion by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Hassoun, 24, will also be charged with loss of government property and theft of a military firearm for allegedly leaving his post still in possession of his 9mm handgun, as well as theft of wrongful appropriation of a government vehicle, according to officials at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Hassoun remains on duty at Camp Lejeune and has not been taken into custody.
Contacted Thursday afternoon, a Hassoun family member said he was "shocked" by the announcement.
Details about how the Utah Marine showed up in a purported hostage video before later appearing as a free man in Lebanon were not released.
If found guilty of desertion, Hassoun could face a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and allowances, and five years confinement for each specification.
Hassoun will be assigned military defense counsel to represent him, and has the right to be represented by a civilian attorney of his choice at no expense to the United States.
Where there is smoke ...
ping
Right from the beginning his story was suspect.
On Fox, they mentioned finding some of his belongings in Fallujah, if I heard correctly. I wonder which side he's really on?
there is fire? Did I win a spot on Jeopardy?
Sure like to know what he was up to. Wouldn't you?
I don't know, but I'll call Alec pronto!
My beloved (who is not home right now) had said the same as you report from FOX. Dave also said he probably regrets they went into Fallujah, it was there they found his hiding place. I will beloved post when he gets home if there is more he heard on this.
Ping.
Heck yes, then he returned to the states and was treated like some sort of hero, folks were so relieved that he was alive. He milked it all and now it is time to pay the piper so to speak.
For what reasons??
5 month investigation... I would say the military was making sure all its ducks were in a row.... that being the case... throw the book at him....
I agree with you FMC.. when this first broke .... it definatly felt fishy.
Sorry, your answer was not in the form of a question. It should have been, What is 'there is fire'?
"They're only charging him because he's Muslim and of Arabic descent."
Is this the guy that people were suspicious of because some guys from his unit had been found dead, thinking maybe he had given their patrol routine away?
I have been suspicious about this story from the get-go. Something never felt right.
I believe he is a Muslim.
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