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AWOL soldier sentenced

By Ray Gomez

Story Created: Oct 5, 2009

Story Updated: Oct 6, 2009

We are finally learning new details about the Texas soldier who was caught in Laredo back in July.
He has now been sentenced for his crimes.
Private first class James Andrew Gonzalez was sentenced on Friday to three years in prison and dishonorably discharged from the army.
Authorities say he lied about being kidnapped as an excuse for going "awol."
Gonzalez pleaded guilty at a Fort Hood court-martial to charges that included desertion, making false official statements and obstruction of justice.
He faced a maximum of more than 22 years of confinement.
He told a military judge how he went into Nuevo Laredo in July with no intention of returning to the army.
Gonzalez now says he sent a text message to a soldier demanding 100-thousand dollars and the removal of border security, claiming to be a Mexican drug cartel member who had kidnapped him.
Authorities arrested Gonzalez in Laredo during a traffic stop.

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