Benning soldier convicted of having self shot - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Benning soldier convicted of having self shot

FORT BENNING, Ga. — A Fort Benning soldier was convicted of charges that involved having a fellow recruit shoot him in the leg so he could get a medical discharge from the Army.

Pvt. Jonne T. Wegley was convicted Monday at a court-martial on charges that included solicitation to commit aggravated assault, intentionally inflicting self-injury and conspiracy. He was acquitted of maiming.

Wegley was sentenced to four months' confinement and a dishonorable discharge. Prosecutors had asked for three years in prison and a bad conduct discharge.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported that William M. Hudgins, who served with Wegley during basic training last year, testified that Wegley offered him $5,000 and a job in exchange for shooting him.

Hudgins said the plan was for him to hide a round in his boot while the two were on the firing range. Then they would walk into a nearby wooded area and Hudgins would shoot Wegley in the left leg. He testified Monday that Wegley gave him $102 as a down payment.

"Private Wegley is a self-serving individual willing to do anything to get out of the Army," said Capt. Caitlin Chiaramonte, the prosecuting attorney. "Private Wegley not only ruined his career, but Mr. Hudgins' career."

Wegley's attorney, Maj. John Calcagni, said Wegley could have gotten out by refusing to train. "This story doesn't make any sense," he said. "He said that Wegley was going to pay him $5,000. Where does a private E-1 get that kind of money?"

Prosecutors argued that Wegley was depressed. His brother had been seriously injured and was in the hospital, and his girlfriend had aborted their child and found proof of him cheating on her.

Hudgins was convicted earlier and served 10 months in confinement.