Fla. Man Charged in Vietnam Desertion Free

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

By ESTES THOMPSON

Associated Press Writer

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A 65-year-old Florida man held since August on a charge that he deserted the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War was released Wednesday from the Camp Lejeune brig and will be discharged, a base spokesman said.

Jerry Texiero was accused of deserting Camp Pendleton, Calif., in 1965. Texiero, living under an alias, was arrested and jailed in Florida in August following a fingerprint match.

<snip>

Last week, Texiero's civilian lawyers said he was charged solely to serve as an example to troops in Iraq. A corps spokeswoman rejected the accusation, saying the Marines were only following the law.

<snip>

Texiero could have received amnesty after Vietnam had he known to ask for it, said his lawyers.

More:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5539472,00.html

[Toots]

1. Desertion in a "Time of War"

Isn't that a Capital Offense? :shrug: Not that I would want anything like thaty and in fact I don't think they should have even arrested the man. It will just stir up controversy. I expect the Freepers to be demanding his head on a platter.... I think this War Powers Act shit needs to be readdressed. We can't just let them say we are at war without an official declaration of War. We are seeing how easily abuse can come about...

[LiberalPartisan]

2. Give the man a medal

Anyone that dodged the draft, deserted or went to Canada is a hero in my book.

[pinerow]

3. A sudden attack of "common sense"...

sheesh...

[Benhurst]

4. Ok, does this mean they aren't going to charge Bush?

[TroubleMan]

5. Remember....the Marines didn't bring this guy in - the police did.

After several years have past they give up looking for you in most cases (if it's just simple AWOL). They put out a warrant for your arrest, and then sometime later, if you get in trouble, the cops bring you in. You get time served (for the time you spent awaiting trial) and a bad discharge, and then they send you home.

This is standard operating procedure. This guy got fingerprinted by the cops for some reason, and he showed up in a federal warrant. The cops bring him to the nearest brig.

[saigon68]

6. Obviously the "System" has nothing better to do