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Former Taliban Captive Sgt. Bergdahl Charged With Desertion

Bergdahl family photo
File photo of Bowe Bergdahl at his graduation from U.S. Basic Training.

The Army has charged Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl of Idaho with desertion, intent to shirk duty and misbehavior before the enemy by endangering soldiers' safety. Bergdahl could face a life sentence.

Col. Daniel King told media at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina a preliminary hearing would take place at Fort Sam Houston Texas, where Bergdahl was assigned to regular duty after his release.

Bergdahl faces two charges that could result in dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of all military pay. The charge of misbehavior before the enemy could give Bergdahl a life behind bars if he's convicted.

Bergdahl was released in May 2014 after nearly five years in Taliban captivity. He went missing at the end of June 2009 from his base in southeast Afghanistan. He was held by Taliban insurgents and their allies until May 31, 2014. The Obama administration exchanged five Guantanamo Bay detainees for Bergdahl's release. Bergdahl was then sent to Fort Sam Houston.

Some former members of Bergdahl's unit accused him of deserting and excerpts from Bergdahl’s emails home indicate he was disillusioned with his mission in Afghanistan.