Soldier with PTSD waits for Army transfer from Miami jail

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http://kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=7866187

Associated Press - February 13, 2008 1:04 PM ET

MIAMI (AP) - A veterans group is criticizing the Army for not acting fast enough to transfer a man who has been jailed since his arrest earlier this month -- without seeing a judge.

Specialist Alex Lotero was arrested February 1st and taken to the Miami-Dade County jail (in Florida). He had been based at Fort Carson (Colorado) before he left the post without permission.

Army officials say a soldier deemed to be a deserter can be held for up to 30 days before being taken into military custody. But Veterans for America spokeswoman Adrienne Willis says Lotero should've been transferred within 72 hours.

Willis claims that Lotero hasn't seen a lawyer, hasn't had his medication, and hasn't had any of the rights of a U.S. citizen.

Miami-Dade jail spokeswoman Janell Hall says Lotero is being held without bond, and will not see a judge before his transfer to military custody, per protocol.