20-year-old Austin native arrested for military desertion

Published 10:11 am Friday, May 20, 2011

A 20-year-old Austin man was arrested Thursday night on a warrant for deserting the U.S. Marine Corps.

Joshua Fauske was arrested around 11 p.m. in the 800 block of Fifth Street Northwest.

Police Chief Brian Krueger said Fauske was cooperative when police took him into custody. He is being held at the Mower County jail until arrangements are made for his pick-up by U.S. Marine Corps chasers.

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“Deserter status” is given to military personnel who have been absent without leave (AWOL) for 30 days or more and have been dropped from the unit’s rolls.

Krueger was unable to release more information.

The punishment for desertion could be dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and allowances, and up to three years in jail, according to the Marine Corps Times.