Soldier pleads guilty to assault in Iraq death

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jzuwkhrcOZ-H5K2HgCBMz-ICJ0nwD96EA23O1

By BRETT BARROUQUERE – 15 hours ago

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) — An Army staff sergeant who was facing a murder charge in the death of an Iraqi detainee pleaded guilty to assault on Wednesday and received more than a year's confinement.

Staff Sgt. Hal M. Warner was sentenced to 17 months' confinement, had his rank reduced to private and was given a bad conduct discharge. He pleaded guilty to charges of assault, maltreatment of a subordinate and making a false statement.

Another soldier, 1st Lt. Michael Behenna of Edmond, Okla., faces trial next week on a murder charge in the death of detainee Ali Mansour Mohammed in May 2008. Prosecutors say Behenna shot Mohammed, then used and incendiary grenade to burn the detainee's body.

Warner admitted Wednesday to standing on the detainee's legs while he was defenseless during the assault then days later helping strip Mohammed naked and leaving him in the desert. Prosecutors say Behenna later shot the detainee.