Family of Army Deserter Travis King Plans to Fight Charges, Says Soldier Barred from Discussing North Korea Stay

King's family believes charges against him are uncharacteristic, question his mental health, and claim he was forced into a non-disclosure about his North Korea stay.

Travis King, an Army private, is facing eight charges of desertion, assault of a fellow soldier, and possession of child pornography, following his stay in North Korea after fleeing from his South Korean post.
King's family members are planning to contest the charges and are questioning his mental health status during his time in North Korea. They believe that his recent actions don't align with his character and suspect that he may have been driven to desert.
The family claims that King, who previously showed no signs of alcoholism, started drinking in South Korea and believes that the Army should have provided him with assistance.
King's mother, Claudine Gates, has revealed that King had to sign paperwork upon his return to the US, committing him to non-disclosure about his North Korean detention and the reasons for crossing the border into the country.
King's family flatly rejects the accusations regarding child pornography, insisting that King lost his phone in South Korea. They speculate any illicit activity could have resulted from someone else gaining access to his device.