An Army private who fled to North Korea just over a year ago is expected to plead guilty to desertion and several other charges, taking full responsibility for his actions, his defense attorney confirmed on Monday.
Travis King’s legal representative, Franklin D. Rosenblatt, disclosed to the Associated Press that King will admit to a total of five military offenses during an upcoming court hearing. Among these charges are desertion and assaulting a superior officer. In exchange for his guilty plea, nine additional charges, including the possession of illicit child imagery, will be dropped as part of a negotiated agreement.
The plea hearing is scheduled for September 20 at Fort Bliss, Texas, where King will have the opportunity to address the court, providing his account and reasoning behind his actions.
“Travis is eager to accept responsibility for the misconduct he engaged in,” Rosenblatt stated. He also expressed his client’s gratitude towards those who have supported him throughout this ordeal, saying, “Travis is thankful for the unwavering support of his friends, family, and others who refrained from forming opinions based on the initial allegations.”
Rosenblatt refrained from speculating on the potential penalties King could face, although desertion is a grave offense under military law, often carrying severe consequences, including imprisonment.
Last month, the Associated Press revealed that both parties were engaged in plea negotiations, indicating a potential resolution to the case.
King’s dramatic escape into North Korea occurred in July 2023 when he crossed the highly militarized border from South Korea. His unauthorized entry into North Korea marked the first instance of an American being detained by the regime in nearly five years.
This incident followed King’s release from a South Korean prison, where he had served a nearly two-month sentence for assault. Shortly after his release, King was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he would face further disciplinary actions. Military officials escorted him to the airport, intending to send him back to the U.S. However, instead of boarding the flight, King joined a civilian tour group heading to Panmunjom, a border village situated within the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). During the tour, he unexpectedly sprinted across the border into North Korea, evading the guards stationed at the site, which is also frequented by tourists.
King was promptly detained by North Korean authorities. After about two months of detention, Pyongyang unexpectedly announced its decision to expel him. On September 28, he was flown back to Texas, where he has remained in custody.
In October, the U.S. military formally charged King with multiple offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. These charges include desertion, assaulting officers, unlawful possession of alcohol, making false statements, and possession of child exploitation material. These allegations date back to July 10, the same day he was released from the South Korean prison.
As the court date approaches, all eyes will be on Fort Bliss to see the legal consequences King will face for his actions. The case has drawn significant attention due to the unusual and dramatic nature of his desertion, along with the serious nature of the charges he now faces.