Private says soldier jailed in assault was framed

[unhappycamper]

Private says soldier jailed in assault was framed
By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, February 9, 2008

VICENZA, Italy — A private who spent time in prison with four other soldiers charged with a different crime took to the witness stand Thursday night in an attempt to clear one man’s name.

Pvt. Brandon Jonjack had served time at the military’s correctional facility in Mannheim, Germany, with Staff Sgt. Stephen Burley and three other soldiers who were convicted in the Jan. 12 assault of an underperforming soldier. During the hearing Thursday, Jonjack said he believed “100 percent” that Burley wasn’t involved in the crime. But he could offer no proof.

At one time, the defense thought Jonjack would be the key to getting Burley freed — or at least get him a new trial.

Led by civilian attorney Charles Gittins, the defense had hoped to use an affidavit, supposedly given by Jonjock, that stated the other three privates — Cody Colkmire, Frank Kirmse and Joshua Stockton — had told him they had conspired to frame Burley and lessen their own punishments.

The three soldiers were reduced in rank to E-1 and sentenced to 60 days at Mannheim for their assault. Burley, who continues to maintain his innocence, was convicted of planning the attack and directing the three lower-ranking soldiers to carry it out.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52321