Court-martial opens for GI accused of aiding Iraqi enemy
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CAMP LIBERTY, IRAQ — A prosecutor said Monday that a former U.S. military police commander aided the enemy by letting top detainees make unmonitored cellphone calls. But his attorney described the officer as only trying “to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis.”
The sides faced off at the opening of the court-martial of Army reservist Lt. Col. William H. Steele, 52, of Prince George, Va., who is accused of four charges that included allowing the prisoners to use a cellphone and giving special privileges to a female Iraqi interpreter.
He pleaded guilty this month to three other charges, including improperly handling classified information. If convicted of aiding the enemy, Steele faces a possible life sentence.
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