The sources said Jenkins, 64, has told Japanese government officials of his intent. He is believed to have conveyed it to Capt. James Culp, an independent U.S. military lawyer who has met him in Tokyo several times.

Jenkins, a U.S. Army sergeant married to Hitomi Soga, a former abductee in North Korea, has been hospitalized in Tokyo since arriving from Jakarta on July 18. He is charged with desertion, aiding the enemy, encouraging disloyalty and soliciting other personnel to desert.

Culp and the U.S. forces in Japan have discussed procedures for a plea bargain and the U.S. side is expected to deliver its decision as early as this month.

Jenkins said he would enter a plea bargain by providing the U.S. government with information on U.S. and South Korean soldiers who are in North Korea, and he would accept a dishonorable discharge, according to the sources.

The Japan Times Weekly: Sept. 4, 2004
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