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Birther Army Doc Who Refused to Deploy Pleads Guilty

Lt. Col Terry Lakin facing discharge, 18-month sentence

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 15, 2010 4:00 AM CST

(Newser) – An Army doctor who refused to deploy to Afghanistan because he doesn't believe President Obama is the legal president of the United States pleaded guilty to one of two charges against him at a court-martial yesterday. Lt. Col. Terry Lakin—who became a hero of the "Birther" movement after vowing to disobey what he called "illegal orders" from a president he doesn't believe was born in the US—will face discharge and up to 18 months in jail, Stars and Stripes reports.

The 18-year veteran pleaded not guilty to another charge of missing a flight that he was meant to be on. Lakin's lawyer said his client had hoped refusing to obey orders would force the president to produce his original birth certificate and is now "very disappointed in the system. Dozens of "birthers" traveled from around the country to attend the hearing, handing out leaflets with a picture of Obama labeled “usurper." Click for background on the case.

Army Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin of Greeley, Colo., left, leaves a military court with his brother Greg Lakin, right, during a break in his court-martial proceeding yesterday. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

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Birther Army Doc Who Refused to Deploy Pleads Guilty

Lt. Col Terry Lakin facing discharge, 18-month sentence

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