Third Court-Martial Case Connected to Pvt. Danny Chen's Death Begins Thursday

The court-martial for Staff Sgt. Blaine Dugas, an infantryman assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, is scheduled for August 16-17 at 9 a.m., at the Fort Bragg military courthouse.

The government understands Dugas intends to plead guilty to charge one,
specification one, which is a violation of a lawful general order number one,
by wrongfully possessing and consuming alcohol.

The Military Judge will be Col. James E. Hardin. The prosecution team will
include Maj. Joshua Toman, Capt. Sasha Rutizer and Capt. Stewart Hyderkhan.
The trial defense will consist of Maj. Greg Malson and Guy Womack, a civilian
defense attorney.

Five other soldiers from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division face charges
relating to Pvt. Danny Chen's death and will be tried by courts-martial in the
coming months.

Sgt. Adam Holcomb was found guilty July 30 by a court-martial panel of two
specifications of maltreatment and one specification of assault. He was
sentenced to reduction in rank to E-4, forfeiture of pay equaling $1,181.55
and 30 days confinement.

Spc. Ryan Offutt was sentenced Aug. 13, to reduction in rank to E-1,
confinement for 6 months and a bad conduct discharge for hazing and
maltreatment, following as guilty plea.