Military

NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

May 14, 2004
Release Number: 04-05-37


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


THREE SOLDIERS TO BE ARRAIGNED

BAGHDAD - A military judge will arraign Staff Sgt. Ivan L. Frederick, II, Sgt Javal S. Davis, and Spec. Charles A. Graner on May 20. All three soldiers are facing trial by general court-martial.

An arraignment is a public hearing in which the charges are read to the accused soldier and the soldier is asked to enter a plea. The accused and counsel may defer the entering of pleas (guilty versus not guilty) at the arraignment. The military judge also formally advises the soldier of his rights to counsel and his right to decide by which forum he would like to be tried. A military accused has the right to be tried by a military panel or by a judge alone.

Staff Sgt. Frederick is charged with conspiracy to maltreat subordinates (detainees); dereliction of duty for willfully failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty and maltreatment; maltreatment of detainees; assaulting detainees; and committing indecent acts.

Spec. Graner is charged with conspiracy to maltreat subordinates (detainees); dereliction of duty for willfully failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty and maltreatment; maltreatment of detainees; assaulting detainees; committing indecent acts; adultery; and obstruction of justice.

Sgt. Davis is charged with conspiracy to maltreat subordinates (detainees); dereliction of duty for willfully failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty and maltreatment; maltreatment of detainees; providing a false official statement to a criminal investigator; and assaulting detainees.

A date and place have not yet been set for these courts-martial.

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