RALEIGH, N.C. - An Army private accused of abusing Iraqis at Abu Ghraib prison faces more charges - this time for participating in sexually explicit photos, none involving Iraqis.
Pfc. Lynndie England was charged late Thursday with violating a general order "that prohibits the creation and possession of sexually explicit photographs" and with four counts of indecent acts, the Army said in a statement Friday.
England, a West Virginia soldier now assigned to Fort Bragg, is due in military court Monday for a hearing on whether she should face a military trial in the case.
Spokesman Maj. Richard Patterson declined to give specifics of the new charges, saying details probably would be revealed at next week's hearing.
"None of these five (additional) charges involved Iraqi detainees or Iraqi nationals," Patterson said.
Before the new charges, England faced 13 counts. She was charged with assaulting detainees, conspiracy, committing indecent acts and taking photos and posing prisoners in photos.
If convicted on the original charges, she faced a dishonorable discharge and up to 15 1/2 years in prison. Army officials did not know how much the additional charges could add to a sentence.
Her attorneys did not return repeated calls Friday seeking comment. They have said previously she was only doing what she was ordered to do, and that her actions were sanctioned at higher levels.
The Washington Post reported it had obtained images of England undressed and in sexual poses with a male soldier. Spec. Charles A. Graner Jr., 35, another soldier in England's unit, can be seen in some photos, The Post reported.
Graner has been charged with abuses and was involved in a romantic relationship with England, 21. He also faces adultery charges for allegedly having sex with England last October.
England is pregnant with Graner's child, her lawyers have said.
Richard Hernandez, a lawyer on England's defense team, told The Post the photos were personal and had nothing to do with the prison abuse charges.
England, a support specialist from Fort Ashby, W.Va., is one of six soldiers who still face charges in the scandal. Spc. Jeremy C. Sivits, has already pleaded guilty and been sentenced to a year in prison.
All seven soldiers charged in the abuse scandal are from the 372nd Military Police Company, an Army Reserve unit from Crespatown, Md.
Sound Off...What do you think?
Join the discussion.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
