GI to Plead Guilty to Lesser Desertion Charge

FORT CARSON, Colo. - A lawyer for a Fort Carson soldier who fled to Canada after his learning his unit was heading to Iraq plans to plead guilty to a reduced charge of desertion.

Authorities say 25-year-old Pvt. Robin Long of Boise, Idaho, fled to Canada in 2005 after his unit was deployed. Canadian authorities denied his request for refuge and deported him in July.

His attorney, James Branam, said Thursday Long has reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to desertion with intent to remain away permanently, a lesser charge than desertion with intent to shirk hazardous duty.

Branam says Long's sentence will be determined on Friday. He faces a dishonorable discharge as well as any prison time.