82nd Airborne Soldier Who Deserted for 16 Years Pleads Guilty

A soldier in the U.S. Army who quit 16 years ago has admitted guilt to the charge. Sgt. Christopher M. Vassey, 38, of the 82nd Airborne Division, made his plea on Dec. 12 after coming back to the U.S. and turning himself in to the police.

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The Army Judge Advocate General's Corps said that Vassey admitted breaking 10 U.S. Code § 885, which is Art. 85 and means "desertion." He turned himself in on December 3 at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing near Niagara Falls, New York. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested him when they found a warrant out for his arrest. Vassey was taken into the care of his unit at Fort Liberty after he was arrested.

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The 82nd Airborne Division confirmed that he was who he said he was on December 7. They said Vassey hadn't been seen without leave since 2007. Details about his 16 years in Canada are still not clear, but his sudden choice to come back to the U.S. on his own and face military justice has caused a lot of talk.

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Military law says that deserting is very bad and can lead to jail time, being fired without cause, or not getting paid. After Vassey's plea, he will be sentenced, but that process date has not been announced.

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The case shows the long-lasting effects of deserting, as well as how complicated the reasons and choices are for those who leave the service. Vassey's return and admission of guilt mean he can no longer avoid punishment for so many years.

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