FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) - The U.S. Army private charged with sending reams of government secrets to WikiLeaks is offering to plead guilty to some offenses.
Pfc. Bradley Manning's civilian defense attorney, David Coombs, revealed the offer Wednesday during a pretrial hearing at Fort Meade. The hearing continues Thursday.
Coombs says Manning isn't pleading guilty to the offenses charged by the government. Rather, he's offering to take responsibility for less serious offenses that are encapsulated within the charged crimes.
Even if the court accepts the offer, military prosecutors could still try to prove Manning guilty of the more serious charges. They include aiding the enemy, punishable by life imprisonment.
Coombs also says Manning has elected to be tried by a military judge, not a jury, at his trial in February.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Current Conditions
Weather for Lexington, Kentucky
Opinion
Most Commented
powered by Disqus
Enter your number for a chance to win great prizes!
Message and data rates may apply
