Corps not seeking new charges against officer

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news/2009/08/ap_marineshaditha082809

Corps not seeking new charges against officer

The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Aug 28, 2009 21:29:40 EDT

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The Marines won’t reinstate charges against the highest-ranking officer accused of a crime in Iraq.

Spokesman Lt. Col. Roger Galbraith said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani learned Friday that he will instead face a hearing to determine if he should be demoted and forced to retire.

Chessani was charged with failing to investigate the 2005 killings of 24 men, women and children in Haditha, Iraq. The 43-year-old from Rangely, Colo., has already applied for retirement.

A Camp Pendleton judge dismissed charges last year, saying a general overseeing the case had improper contact with an investigator, but an appeals court said charges could be reinstated.

Charges also have been dismissed against five other Marines. Another was acquitted and one has a pending court-martial.

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