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Soldier in mall video rant identified, charged
3rd ID Patch
Marne Patch

Fort Stewart officials released the identity of a soldier who was detained after a social media video post showing him behaving in a chaotic manner at Oglethorpe Mall on July 15 went viral.

Private second class Chance Johnson was charged with one specification of absence without leave and one specification of failure to report, in violation of Article 86, Uniform Code of Military Justice; one specification of willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer, in violation of Article 90, UCMJ; one specification of  willfully disobeying a superior noncommissioned officer, in violation of Article 91, UCMJ; one specification of domestic violence, in violation of Article 128b, UCMJ; and one specification of disorderly conduct, in violation of Article 134, UCMJ, according to Lt. Col. Patrick Husted, 3rd ID.

Johnson was seen yelling expletives at people who were waiting on a parking space at a mall in Savannah. He was recorded shoving the woman that was with him, grabbing her firmly by the wrist and shoving her arm behind her back. The video also shows that the incident took place in front of a young child who was already strapped in the car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Johnson allegedly threatened the people around him.

Husted advised that the charges against Johnson are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a judicial proceeding.

“His charges are currently pending review by a preliminary hearing officer in accordance with Article 32,  UCMJ, who will make a recommendation to the command as to the disposition of the charges,” Husted said in an email. Johnson remains in military custody.


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