US Army halts Iraq redeployment of Abu Ghraib dog handler convicted of abuse News
US Army halts Iraq redeployment of Abu Ghraib dog handler convicted of abuse

[JURIST] The US Army [official website] said [press release] Friday that commanders on the ground have prevented Army Sgt. Santos A. Cardona [JURIST news archive], found guilty in June of abusing detainees at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison [JURIST news archive], from being redeployed to Iraq out of fear for his safety. Cardona was convicted [JURIST report] of two counts of abuse and dereliction of duty for incidents involving the use of unmuzzled dogs against prisoners [JURIST report]. TIME magazine reported Thursday that he was being redeployed with his unit.

Cardona chose to remain in the military with the 23rd Military Police Company [official website] after completing his sentence to 90 days of hard labor [JURIST report], which did not include jail time but did include $600 a month for 12 months in fines and a demotion from sergeant to specialist. He no longer handles dog related duties in the unit. AP has more.