By Associated Press
Fort Brag, North Carolina – FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) An Army judge in North Carolina is expected to set a trial date for an Oklahoma soldier accused in a series of rapes and break-ins at Fort Bragg.
The 82nd Airborne Division says a pretrial hearing is scheduled Monday for 23-year-old Aaron Pernell of Tulsa, Okla. Pernell could face life in prison if he is convicted of rape in the military court system.
The judge is hearing arguments on a series of pretrial issues, including the best date for a court-martial.
Pernell is charged with rape, attempted rape, burglary and assault. He also faces dozens of North Carolina charges including first-degree rape, kidnapping and burglary.
Pernell was charged after a task force reviewed a series of attacks in Fayetteville and neighboring Hoke County spanning seven months.