Soldier faces 30 days in harassment death

FORT BRAGG, N.C., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- A U.S. Army sergeant could face up to 30 days in prison after he was convicted of harassing a Chinese-American soldier who committed suicide.

A military jury recommended the punishment Tuesday for Sgt. Adam Holcomb, who was convicted Monday of two counts of maltreatment and one count of assault in the death of Pvt. Danny Chen, The New York Times reported.

Holcomb was acquitted of negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, communicating a threat and hazing.

Prosecutors had contended during the trial that Holcomb's mistreatment of Chen, including hazing and racial slurs, led him to commit suicide.

Prosecutor Maj. Stephen Hernandez was blocked from completing his sentencing recommendation by Judge Maj. Bret Batdorff, who said Hernandez had committed three violations in his remarks.

The defense then asked for leniency.

The jury also recommended that Holcomb be reduced in rank to specialist and fined $1,181.55.

The base commander at Fort Bragg, Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, will act on the jury's recommendation. He can either ratify it or come up with another sentence.

Seven other men also charged in the incident are still awaiting trial.