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Four US Soldiers in Iraq Charged with Cruelty to Fellow Soldiers

by Amy Judd | August 21, 2009 at 12:25 pm

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Four US soldiers station in Iraq have been charged with cruelty and maltreatment to their fellow soldiers in their platoon.

Sgt. Enoch Chatman, Staff Sgt. Bob Clements, Sgt. Jarrett Taylor and Spc. Daniel Weber of B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 13th Calvary Regiment from Fort Bliss, Texas have all been charged and accused of abusing other male soldiers in both physical and verbal ways.

A military spokesman told FOX News that the abuse may have led to the suicide of 19-year old Army Pvt. Keiffer Wilhem, who shot himself in the head four days after arriving in Iraq earlier this month.

Each soldier has different charges laid against him.

Enoch Chatman has been charged with four counts of cruelty and maltreatment, one of making a false statement, and one of reckless endangerment, and could face up to 10 years in prison and a dishonorable discharge.

Bob Clements has been charged with four counts of cruelty and maltreatment, three of making a false statment and one of impending an investigation, and one of reckless endangerment; he could face up to 25 years in prison.

Jarrett Taylor has been charged with two counts of cruelty and maltreatment, one of making a false statment and one of reckless endangerment, and could face up to eight years in prison.

Daniel Weber was charged with three counts of cruelty and maltreatment, one of reckless endangerment and one of impending an investigation. He could face nine years behind bars.

Their division, Multi-National Division South is headquartered in Basra, Iraq, but no further details of the incidents have been released.

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Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 19:08 on August 21st, 2009

Four American soldiers serving in Iraq have been charged with cruelty and abuse of their fellow troops, the US army says in a statement.

Charges were laid two days ago against the accused, all of whom serve with B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, a unit based out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

"Accusations of cruelty and maltreatment are taken very seriously, and we will investigate this isolated incident thoroughly," said Brigadier General David Elicerio, Deputy Commanding General for Multi-National Division-South, headquartered in the southern city of Basra.

The statement named the soldiers charged as Staff Sergeant Bob Clements, Staff Sergeant Enoch Chatman, Sergeant Jarrett Taylor and Specialist Daniel Weber.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 19:13 on August 21st, 2009

There is no confirmed evidence that the suicide, which involved a fifth subordinate in the unit, was a result of any mistreatment, said Lt. Col. Kevin Olson, a spokesman for Multi-National Division-South, who said the military is looking into that possibility.Charges were brought Wednesday against three sergeants and a specialist with the 13th Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Bliss, Texas, accusing them of engaging in "verbal abuse, physical punishment and ridicule of subordinates," according to Olson. He described the physical punishment as falling into the category of "undue calisthenics."

A. Tran

at 19:51 on August 21st, 2009

That's terrible, they're supposed to take care of one another...

Andreas S. (not verified)

at 04:43 on August 29th, 2009

Join the military, then give an opinion on discipline. A lot of people would rather their kids be babied so when they face combat, they do their best to get their whole platoon killed. I'd rather discipline be instilled into soldiers and have fat bodies molded into shape. Yeah, life may suck once in a while, but at least when they are thrown into combat, they will have a better chance of survival and saving each others lives. This soldier who killed himself was obviously mentally weak. Probably the type who would have got other soldiers killed in combat. The unfortunate thing is, our military is growing too big. More and more people who don't belong in the military are enlisting. It's all too bad really.

ServinginIraq (not verified)

at 12:14 on September 1st, 2009

Two Questions. 1. What part of this war requires top athletic form? Have you seen pictures of the kid? He was far from fat. Stocky for Military specs but not fat. 2. After what you said, if you were this kid's Squad Leader, what would you do? Keep in mind what you have been trained to do in regards to teaching, leading and mentoring your subordinates. The military had evolved a long way from the days of kicking the shit out of someone because they made a mistake, or have a few extra pounds. Furthermore, your "tough guy" attitude is what gets people killed FAR MORE than a kid with a few extra pounds. What the hell would you do when THE individuals you are supposed to be able to turn to are putting you through hell, in a foreign place, a stressful place, a lonely place. Keep in mind he was 18 years old. A leader's approach to a young soldier is MUCH different to that of one with a little more experience and or age. You must be a high calibre soldier. I suggest you educate yourself, and re train yourself if you are in a leadership position.

notsurprise (not verified)

at 14:33 on August 30th, 2009

not surprise alot of time the only way soldiers will get each others backs is if the are helping each other lie and keep secerts. I dont know how many soldiers say its between us the wives dont have to know right referring to cheating and etc. commanders and etc will cover and lie for the soldier to make sure they dont get into trouble and lose rank or whatever the discpline maybe they will and conderdict themselves to still have the soldier walk away with nothing happening but a slap on his and then say dont do it again get rid of the problem thats it. they are not there for family they are their for the soldiers and the soldiers only. so dont be surprise if they walk away with nothing but a slap. they will cover everything up and do everyhting in their power to make sure nothing happens to them.