Army Specialist Ryan G. Anderson guilty

Spc. Ryan G. Anderson, who was arrested for trying to pass information to people he believed were terrorists, was found guilty today in a military court martial.

Anderson is a recent convert to Islam and had told a fellow soldier that he wanted to get to the motherland (Iraq) and liberate Moslem brothers. He then tried to make contact with al-Qaida members and offered to give them sensitive information about the M-1 Main battle tank. A contact was made and arrangements were set up for a meeting. The men Anderson met with were actually FBI agents.

The defense tried to convince the jury that Anderson suffers from Bi-polar disorder and that is what caused him to conduct himself the way he did.

The Army prosecutor said Anderson was clear about his intentions in cell-phone text messages, e-mails and meetings with the undercover agents.

Maj. Melvin Jenks, prosecution, told the jury Anderson was: "A traitor. A traitor who betrayed our country, a traitor who betrayed our Army and a traitor who betrayed our fellow soldiers.".

The jury deliberated about 4 1/2 hours Thursday before finding Anderson guilty. They then met for another 3 1/2 hours to determine their recommendation on sentencing.

The jury has recommended he be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole and a dishonorable discharge.

Michael Berglin