Vietnam-Era Marine Corps Deserter Arrested

A Vietnam-era Marine Corps deserter, who spent the last 40 years selling boats and classic cars, has been arrested in Tarpon Springs, Florida and returned to Camp Lejeune to face military justice.

Jerry Texiero, 65, was a 24-year-old Marine recruit at Camp Lejeune. In 1965, facing assignment to Vietnam, he walked off the Camp Pendleton base and disappeared. Authorities said Texiero has been living under the assumed name Gerome J. Conti.

The Marines finally found Texiero after he was arrested and convicted of fraud in 1998 and his fingerprints ended up the in the federal database.

Texiero's lawyers are arguing that their client should be released immediately, because at age 65 he is now too old to be a Marine.

If he is found guilty of desertion, Texiero could be sentenced to three years in the brig at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

See Also:
Man Accused of Deserting During Vietnam War
Marine, 65, Arrested for Not Going to Vietnam
Lawyers: 65-Year-Old Charged With Desertion Should Be Released