Iraq vet sentenced to jail; Iraq service cited as cause

BURLINGTON, Vt. --A former Vermont National Guardsman who served six months in one of the most dangerous cities in Iraq is going to jail for 60 days as part of a sentence for a variety of offenses, most of which stem from alcohol abuse.

Daniel Desautels, 21, of Winooski, hadn't had any problems with the law until after his return from Iraq last year, his attorney said.

In the last eight months Desautels accumulated eight charges, including a felony weapons charge. On Sept. 1 he was cited by Winooski police for violations of conditions of release after an officer determined he had been drinking.

Desautels' attorney, William Norful, said his client's sudden shift into criminal behavior was consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his service in Iraq.

In court Friday, Desautels blamed his drinking on his time in Ramadi. "I couldn't do anything without alcohol because if I didn't drink, I couldn't deal with anything I remember from Iraq," Desautels said.

Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan thanked Desautels for his service, but he still called for the jail sentence. "I think it is a fair sentence because it protects the community," Donovan said. "His behavior over eight months clearly shows this is a person who is out of control. He just can't follow the law."

In addition to the 60 days, Desautels a suspended sentence of 18 to 40 months. He was ordered to receive counseling from the Veterans Administration.

Desautels said counseling helped. Talking with friends is counterproductive because people inject their opinions on the war. "The counselor helps because I'm talking with somebody who doesn't have an opinion," said Desautels.
Boston.com

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