Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was released by the Taliban last year in exchange for five prisoners, is being charged with desertion, retired Lt. Col. Tony Schaffer told Bill O’Reilly on “The O’Reilly Factor” Monday.
Mr. Shaffer, who now works for the London Center for Policy Research, said two separate military sources have confirmed to him that Sgt. Bergdahl’s attorney has been given a “charge sheet,” listing out the articles of the uniform military code that have been violated.
“The army has come to its conclusion and Bowe Bergdahl will be charged with desertion,” Mr. Shaffer said.
Sgt. Bergdahl left his unit in Afghanistan without permission in 2009 and was captured by the Taliban, and held prisoner by the group for five years. Following the much-criticized exchange, the Army conducted an investigation into his actions, which concluded three months ago.
Mr. Shaffer also accused the Obama administration of trying to keep the detail of Sgt. Bergdahl’s charges hidden.
“This is shaping up to be a titanic struggle behind the scenes,” he said. “Believe me, the Army here wants to do the right thing … And the White House, because of the political narrative, President Obama cozying up to the parents and because he, President Obama, releasing the five Taliban … The narrative is what the White House does not want to have come out.”
• Jennifer Pompi can be reached at jpompi@washingtontimes.com.
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