Soldier gets plea deal in assaults

SEATTLE – One of 12 Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldiers accused of war crimes while in Afghanistan pleaded guilty Wednesday after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors.

Staff Sgt. Robert Stevens pleaded guilty to an aggravated assault for firing in the direction of two Afghan farmers, and reckless endangerment for throwing a grenade off a Stryker. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements by lying to cover up the crimes, and to dereliction of duty.

Stevens’ plea deal calls for him to cooperate fully with prosecutors and testify against other soldiers accused of crimes ranging from murder to possession of human body parts. There have been no plea agreements announced for any of the 11 other soldiers.

Prosecutors also are expected to recommend a substantial reduction of Stevens’ maximum prison sentence, which under military law could exceed 19 years.