Soldier accused of SUV robbery in Iraq

By CHANTAL ESCOTO
The Leaf-Chronicle

Tuesday was the first day of his Article 32 court martial hearing at Fort Campbell for Sgt. 1st Class James H. Williams, a member of Company A, 326th Engineer Battalion, who is charged with armed robbery.

Williams' local civilian defense attorney Michael Love said his client is being used as a "political pawn" because the 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser was taken within the military's prescribed Rules of Engagement but the issue has become who owned the vehicle -- an important tribal leader in Mosul.

"We don't understand the legitimacy of the charges at this point," Love said. "He's a 17-year veteran of two wars and there's not a blemish on his record. He's a dedicated career soldier with two children, a wife and a mortgage. I think anyone would be distraught."