JACKSONVILLE—Opening statements are underway in the court martial of a Camp Lejeune Marine accused of deserting twice from the military.
On Monday, Wassef Hassoun pleaded guilty to an unauthorized leave of absence in 2005 for a period of less than 30 days.
However, he pleaded not guilty to charges he deserted his unit in Iraq in 2004... and to destruction of military property charges. Marine prosecutors say he faked his own kidnapping and went to Lebanon, where he holds dual citizenship.
The defense said he was tied up in the Lebanese legal system and was unable to return to the United States—but did go to Lebanon without permission.
Hassoun has elected to be tried by a military judge only, rather than a jury of his peers.