Recommendation on Bergdahl Desertion Case Kept Sealed

Dave BurnettPublished: October 6, 2015

UNDATED - In this undated image provided by the U.S. Army, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl poses in front of an American flag. U.S. officials say Bergdahl, the only American soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan, was exchanged for five Taliban commanders being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, according to published reports. Bergdahl is in stable condition at a Berlin hospital, according to the reports. (Photo by U.S. Army via Getty Images)

HOUSTON (ap)- An Army officer's recommendation on whether Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl should face a court-martial for leaving his post in Afghanistan six years ago will remain secret for now.

Lt. Col. Mark Visger presided over last month's Article 32 hearing in Texas that reviewed evidence against the Hailey native. Visger submitted a report with his recommendation on Monday, but the Army hasn't said what Visger recommended.

Bergdahl is charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

Gen. Robert Abrams, the commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, will ultimately decide whether the case should be referred to a court-martial.

Bergdahl's attorney, Eugene Fidell, says Visger's report should be made public.

A U.S. Army Forces Command spokesman declined to comment on Visger's report. No timeline has been given for a decision from Abrams.

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