THE TENSION: OIF Update, Aug. 22, 2009: 4 US Soldiers Charged With Cruelty and Maltreatment

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGHDAD, Aug. 22, 2009 -- Four U.S. soldiers serving with Multi-National Division -South have been charged with cruelty and maltreatment of subordinates.

On August 19, charges were preferred against Staff Sgt. Enoch Chatman, Staff Sgt. Bob Clements, Sgt. Jarrett Taylor and Spc. Daniel Weber, all of B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

The four soldiers are alleged to have treated soldiers within their platoon inappropriately.

“Accusations of cruelty and maltreatment are taken very seriously, and we will investigate this isolated incident thoroughly,” said Brig. Gen. David Elicerio, Deputy Commanding General for Multi-National Division-South.

The accused soldiers are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of any alleged offense.

The preferral of charges is the initial step in the prosecution of Chatman, Clements, Taylor and Weber.

The four accused soldiers face a variety of charges:

Chatman faces six total charges including four charges of cruelty and maltreatment, one charge of making false official statements; and one charge of reckless endangerment. The maximum penalty for these charges is a Dishonorable Discharge, 10 years confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction in rank to E-1.

Clements faces nine total charges including four charges of cruelty and maltreatment, three charges of making false official statements, one charge of reckless endangerment and one charge of impeding an investigation. The maximum penalty for these charges is a Dishonorable Discharge, 25 years confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction in rank to E-1.

Taylor faces four charges including two charges of cruelty and maltreatment, one charge of making false official statements and one charge of reckless endangerment. The maximum penalty for these charges is a Dishonorable Discharge, 8 years confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction in rank to E-1.

Weber faces six charges including three charges of cruelty and maltreatment one charge of reckless endangerment and one charge of impeding an investigation. The maximum penalty for these charges is a Dishonorable Discharge, 9 years confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction in rank to E-1.