Happy Smash, Sad Pablo

Next Stop, the Brig.

SAN DIEGO – A Navy sailor turned anti-war activist was convicted Wednesday of missing his ship’s movement when he refused to board the USS Bonhomme Richard as it deployed to the Persian Gulf in December.

A military judge deliberated about 40 minutes before finding Petty Officer 3rd Class Pablo Paredes guilty of the count. Lt. Cmdr. Bob Klant dismissed a second count of unauthorized absence, ruling the charge was duplicative.

Paredes stood at attention as the judge read the sentence, following the day’s court-martial proceeding. The trial then shifted into the sentencing phase.

Paredes, a 23-year-old from the New York City borough of the Bronx, could receive a year in jail, a forfeiture of pay, reduction in rank and a bad-conduct discharge.

Smash will have more later, but says

Pablo Paredes has been convicted. My, that was fast!

Smash has been the lead on this story and has done a terrific job!