Judge Overturns Bowe Bergdahl's Sentence, Shifting Case's Direction

A federal judge has thrown out the court-martial sentence of former Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, ruling in favor of his argument that the Army judge in his case failed to disclose a possible conflict of interest. The judge's failure to disclose that he had applied for a civilian position at the Justice Department while presiding over the court-martial led to the voiding of all orders and rulings issued by the judge. Bergdahl, who pleaded guilty to charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, could now request a reinstatement of rank or change of status for his dishonorable discharge. The judge rejected Bergdahl's claims of unlawful command influence by President Donald Trump and the late Sen. John McCain, stating that their comments did not influence the outcome of the case. Both Bergdahl and the Justice Department have the right to appeal the decision.