Schofield soldier accused of prisoner mistreatment

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Military commanders in Afghanistan have accused a Schofield Barracks soldier of mistreating a prisoner, an Army spokeswoman confirmed today.

Sgt. Joseph Simpliciano, of Waiana'e was charged Jan. 5 at Kandahar Airfield with "conspiracy, maltreatment, making a false statement and assault regarding an incident involving a detainee," said Maj. Stacy Bathrick, a spokeswoman with the 25th Infantry Division (Light) deployed in Afghanistan.

Simpliciano is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry.

The Army will hold an Article 32 hearing to investigate "the truth of the matter set forth in the charges," Bathrick said. The hearing has not been scheduled. A general court-martial could be ordered after the hearing.

"We take all matters pertaining to alleged detainee incidents seriously and will ensure we follow proper military law regulations in determining the final disposition of this case," Bathrick said.

The Army continues to investigate the incident, she said.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.