Marine Corps Jails Cook Accused of Deserting in Vietnam 17 Years Ago
The Marine Corps jailed a Marine cook Friday who allegedly deserted in Vietnam 17 years ago and said it may court-martial him on desertion and other charges.
Pvt. Douglas Beane, who returned to the United States last week to see his aged parents, was confined to the brig at the Quantico, Va., Marine base on the decision of his commanding officer because of indications that he “might not appear for a pretrial hearing or subsequent possible trial if left free,” the Marines said.
A hearing is to be held in 10 days to determine whether there is cause to hold him. If Beane is ordered held, a grand jury-style hearing will convene later to find out if there is enough evidence against him for a court-martial, a Marine spokesman said.
He could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on conviction, the Marines said.
Beane, who will be 40 Friday, allegedly deserted from the Marines Feb. 28, 1970, and went to Australia, where he is said to have married and fathered nine children. He said before leaving Australia that he wanted to return to the United States to visit his parents in Randolph, Vt., where he was born.
He will be permitted routine visitation rights accorded any other prisoner while in the brig.
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