Friday, November 17, 2006

Second Marine Sentenced at General Courts-Martial in Hamdania Investigation

United States Marine Corps
Camp Pendleton Media Center                   For more information:
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Marine Corps Base
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Internet: USMC Iraq-Investigations

Press Release #06-007                               Nov. 15, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marine Sentenced at General Court-Martial in Hamdania Investigation

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2006) – The sentencing for Pfc. John J. Jodka for his involvement in the death of an Iraqi civilian, Hashim Ibrahim Awad, on April 26, 2006, near Hamdania, Iraq was held today here. 

Jodka was sentenced to five years confinement, reduction in rank to E-1/Pvt., forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and dishonorable discharge. 

Pursuant to the terms of the pre-trial agreement Jodka's sentence was limited to 18 months confinement.  The punitive discharge will be disapproved.  The reduction in rank and forfeiture of pay and allowances may be approved. 

Jodka pled guilty Oct. 26, 2006 to the additional charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy to obstruct justice during a general court-martial held here. 

The original charges of murder, conspiracy, housebreaking, larceny and kidnapping, that were referred to general court-martial on Sept. 22, 2006, were withdrawn as part of the pre-trial agreement. 

The military judge for the sentencing was Lt. Col. David Jones.

U.S. Marine Corps personnel sentenced to confinement of one year or longer automatically have their cases forwarded to the Navy - Marine Court of Criminal Appeals for review.

More information on the charges, specifications and legal proceedings can be found at USMC Iraq-Investigations