US soldier who fled to North Korea to plead guilty to desertion, assault | NK News
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September 16, 2026Sep 16, 2026

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US soldier who fled to North Korea to plead guilty to desertion, assault

Army will dismiss nine other charges against Travis King, which included soliciting child porn, according to his lawyer

Travis King, the U.S. soldier who set off a diplomatic crisis when he crossed into North Korea last July, has reached an agreement with military prosecutors to plead guilty to desertion and assault, according to his lawyer, but not to a more serious charge of soliciting child pornography.

In a statement, attorney Franklin D. Rosenblatt said his client will plead guilty to five out of fourteen charges brought against him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including desertion, three counts of disobeying an officer and assault on a non-commissioned officer.

“U.S. Army Private Travis King will take responsibility