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Police Commander's Court-Martial Starts

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The Associated Press

Published: October 16, 2007

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - A prosecutor said Monday that a former U.S. military police commander aided the enemy by letting top detainees make unmonitored cell phone calls at sites including the camp that held Saddam Hussein. But his attorney described the officer as only trying 'to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis.'

The sides faced off at the opening of the court-martial of Army reservist Lt. Col. William H. Steele, who oversaw lockups that included the area where Saddam spent his final days.

The proceedings are being closely watched as the first known prosecution for aiding the enemy in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. It has also gained attention for pretrial testimony that included allegations Steele approved the purchase of Cuban cigars for the toppled Iraqi dictator.

Steele, 52, of Prince George, Va., is accused of four charges that include allowing the prisoners to use a cell phone and giving special privileges to an Iraqi woman working as an interpreter.

Steele pleaded guilty this month to three other charges, including storing and improperly handling classified information. They carry a maximum sentence of six years in prison, forfeiture of pay and dismissal from the Army, according to the U.S. military.

If convicted in the court-martial, Steele faces a life sentence for the most serious charge - aiding the enemy. The military waived a possible death sentence, said spokesman Lt. Col. Rudolph Burwell.

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