Soldier in body desecration case out of brig

[unhappycamper]

Soldier in body desecration case out of brig
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Sep 26, 2008 12:42:32 EDT

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A Green Beret accused of killing an Afghan civilian and cutting off his ear has been released from jail to await his military trial.

Capt. Chris Augustine of the Army Special Forces Command said Friday that Master Sgt. Joseph D. Newell had been released but was confined to Fort Bragg.

The 38-year-old Newell has been in custody since March, when he was stationed at a remote military base in southern Afghanistan. Newell’s trial is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 7. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Newell’s civilian defense lawyer, Todd Conormon, had asked that his client be released. Newell has been held at the Marine Corps brig at Camp Lejeune and at the Cumberland County jail.


Article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/ap_greenberet_ear_092608/%2e