"Army Pvt. Travis King: Potential Charges for Desertion and AWOL After North Korea Deployment"

Army Pvt. Travis King, who sought refuge in North Korea, has returned to the US and will undergo physical and mental health assessments as part of the Army's reintegration process. Possible charges he may face include being absent without leave (AWOL) or desertion. Punishments for these offenses can range from jail time to dishonorable discharge. The Army could seek more serious charges to set an example, but no decision on punishment is expected soon. Historical precedent suggests a relatively light sentence for desertion to North Korea.