Army Private Faces Desertion and Child Porn Charges Amid North Korean Detention Controversy

A lawyer for Army Private Travis King, who fled to North Korea and subsequently faced charges of desertion and child pornography possession, revealed Wednesday that he is negotiating with military prosecutors to resolve the case.

King's preliminary hearing, initially scheduled for Tuesday in Fort Bliss, Texas, was canceled to allow for negotiation, said his attorney, Franklin D. Rosenblatt. Although Rosenblatt declined to disclose discussion details, he mentioned that postponing the hearing by two weeks could make a preliminary hearing unnecessary.

King made headlines in July 2023 when he ran across the heavily fortified border from South Korea, becoming the first American detained in North Korea in nearly five years. Instead of boarding a plane home, King joined a civilian tour and crossed into North Korea. After two months, Pyongyang announced his expulsion, and he was flown to Texas.

In October, King was charged with desertion and accused of kicking and punching officers, unlawfully possessing alcohol, making false statements, and possessing a video of a child engaging in sexual activity. His mother, Claudine Gates, expressed her unconditional love and concern for his mental health, insisting that the charges did not reflect the son she knew.

(With inputs from agencies.)