TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Sailor May Be Tried In Iraqis' Abuse

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: November 15, 2008

JACKSONVILLE - A Navy chief petty officer accused of mistreating Iraqi prisoners is awaiting a military court's recommendation on whether he should be court-martialed.

A hearing for Chief Petty Officer Tracy Necaise, who was the guard duty officer at Camp Bucca in Iraq, ended Friday in Jacksonville. But the Navy did not announce whether Necaise would face trial on charges of conspiracy, cruelty, assault and making false statements.

Sailors on duty at the camp in May are accused of placing eight detainees in a cell overnight that had been filled with pepper spray. Two other detainees had scrapes and cuts. The detainees are accused of spitting and throwing urine and feces on the sailors.

Jeremiah Sullivan, Necaise's attorney, said upper level Navy officials were to blame in the case because the sailors did not have any experience running a detention facility.

The military court will make its recommendation to Vice Adm. William Gortney, 5th Fleet commander, who will decide whether Necaise will face trial, said Cmdr. Dan Bates, a Navy spokesman.

The charges carry penalties of more than a year in the brig and a dishonorable discharge.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT