Marine's trial set on desecration charges

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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The court-martial of a Marine accused of urinating on dead Taliban fighters in Afghanistan has been set for Tuesday at Camp Lejeune, N.C., officials say.

Staff Sgt. Edward W. Deptola is the latest soldier to face charges after a video surfaced online in July 2011 of U.S. troops urinating on dead bodies in Afghanistan, WWAY-TV, Wilmington, N.C., reported Wednesday.

He is charged with desecrating remains, posing for unofficial photographs with human casualties and failing to properly supervise lower-ranking Marines.

Another Marine pleaded guilty last month. Staff Sgt. Joseph W. Chamblin was sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined. He also was reduced in rank and forfeited part of his pay for six months.

Administrative punishments were handed to three other Marines.