TACOMA, Wash., Nov. 30 (UPI) -- A U.S. Army staff sergeant faces court-martial for allegedly assaulting a private who reported drug use in the platoon.
David D. Bram, 27, of Vacaville, Calif., is one of 12 Stryker Brigade soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state who could be tried for misconduct while deployed in Afghanistan, The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., reports. In the most serious case, five soldiers are accused of hunting down and killing Afghan civilians.
Lt. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, the Lewis-McChord commander, has referred Bram for court-martial following a preliminary hearing in October, military officials said Monday.
Pfc. Justin Stoner reported Bram was the ringleader in an assault, the newspaper said, citing documents. Stoner said he was thrust against a wall, and Bram had his hands around his neck.
Bram knew Stoner had reported drug use because he had been at a meeting where the issue was discussed, documents said.
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors showed photographs of Stoner's bruised torso.
"A staff sergeant should be protecting Stoner," Capt. Dre Leblanc said, while displaying the pictures. "Instead, he gets this. I think it's clear that this is maltreatment."
