In a 63-page ruling, Judge Reggie B. Walton of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia vacated all the court-martial proceedings against Sergeant Bergdahl after October 2017. At the time, the military judge in the case, Jeffery R. Nance, then an Army colonel, applied for a job with the Justice Department under President Donald J. Trump, a step he did not disclose. Mr. Trump had repeatedly railed against the sergeant, calling him a traitor and suggesting that he be executed. The ruling could lead to a second trial before a new judge. In pleading guilty to desertion and to endangering the American troops sent to search for him at his court-martial, Sergeant Bergdahl had his rank reduced to private and was dishonorably discharged.

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Persons: Bowe Bergdahl, Reggie B, Walton, Sergeant Bergdahl, Jeffery R, Nance, Donald J, Trump, Eugene R Organizations: Army, Federal, Court, District of Columbia, Justice Department Locations: Afghanistan