Charles Robert Jenkins

United States Army soldier (1940–2017)

Charles Robert Jenkins (February 18, 1940 – December 11, 2017) was a former United States Army soldier. He lived in North Korea from 1965 to 2004 after deserting from his unit and crossing the Korean Demilitarized Zone.[1] He was born in Rich Square, North Carolina.

Charles Robert Jenkins (2007)

On November 3, Jenkins pleaded guilty to charges of desertion and aiding the enemy, but denied making disloyal or seditious statements – the latter charges were dropped. He was sentenced to 30 days' confinement, received a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and benefits and was reduced in rank to E-1 private (the lowest rank in the US Army). He was released six days early, on November 27, 2004, for good behavior.[1]

On July 15, 2008, Jenkins obtained permanent residency status in Japan, just half a month after he applied for the status.[2]

Jenkins died in Sado, Niigata on December 11, 2017 of heart failure, aged 77.[3]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 "Deserter Recalls N. Korean Hell". CBS News. Archived from the original on 2013-01-26. Retrieved 2017-12-12.
  2. "Jenkins gets permanent residency". The Japan Times. 2008-07-16. Retrieved 2009-09-26.[permanent dead link]
  3. "Charles Jenkins, husband of Japanese ex-abductee to North Korea Hitomi Soga, dies at 77". The Japan Times Online. 12 December 2017. Archived from the original on 12 December 2017.