http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBEWEYICCE.htmlSoldier Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Cocaine From Colombia Using Military Aircraft
EL PASO, Texas (AP) - A Fort Bliss soldier has pleaded guilty to smuggling cocaine into the United States from Colombia using military aircraft, a post spokeswoman said Saturday.
Spc. Francisco Rosa, 25, pleaded guilty Wednesday to using, possessing and distributing cocaine and making a false official statement, said the spokeswoman, Jean Offutt.
Based on a military judge's recommendation, Rosa will spend five years in prison with a reduction in rank to private and a bad-conduct discharge, Offutt said. Other authorities, including the post's commanding general, could change the sanctions.
Military investigators have said Rosa and Staff Sgts. Daniel Rosas, Victor Portales and Kevin G. Irizarry-Melendez played roles in a plot to smuggle the drugs from a U.S. base in Colombia where they had been stationed. All four are being held in a military jail at Fort Bliss.