
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 11, 1991                   TAG: 9104110685
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: FORT POLK, LA.                                LENGTH: Short

DESERTION PLOT BRINGS 6-YEAR TERM

A National Guard sergeant drew six years in prison for plotting an abortive mass desertion from a base where his unit was training for Persian Gulf combat.

A court-martial board of seven Army officers Wednesday convicted Sgt. Robert Pete, 24, of attempted desertion, conspiracy to desert, solicitation to desert and arranging a strike or demonstration involving members of the military.

Pete also received a dishonorable discharge. His lawyer said he will appeal.

Pete is one of three members of the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry, based in Lake Charles, who faced charges. A court-martial for Spc. Dwayne Brown, 19, began after Pete was sentenced. Spc. Derrick Guidry, 24, faces trial April 24.

The three were accused of plotting a desertion by about 100 Guardsmen in February to protest training conditions at Fort Hood, Texas. Enthusiasm for the plan fizzled and officers got wind of the plans, according to testimony.

by CNB