Former 101st Airborne whistleblower investigated for role in fatal shooting at Iraq checkpoint

A former 101st Airborne Division soldier who came forward with allegations that his comrades raped an Iraqi teenager is being investigated for his role in a fatal shooting at a checkpoint, his lawyer said Friday.

Spc. Justin Watt, who is now assigned to Fort Benning, Ga., has been barred from leaving the Army on a medical discharge until the shooting investigation concludes, said his attorney, Kenneth David.

In letters between David and the Army's Criminal Investigations Division, the military has alleged "credible information" exists to believe Watt obstructed justice by trying to cover up a shooting in December 2005 that has been under investigation for more than a year.

David said the allegations could be retribution for Watt's role in helping military prosecutors identify five soldiers charged last year with raping and killing an Iraqi teen and killing her family.

"Justin Watt has been the Army's shining star in terms of honesty and integrity. He put himself at risk to get this information out," David said.

Watt, who served with the 502nd Infantry Regiment, was the first to approach commanders with suspicions fellow soldiers had committed a crime after overhearing discussion of the March 12, 2006, attack.

Five soldiers were charged in the attack, one of the war's worst documented atrocities. Four were convicted and given sentences ranging from five to 110 years.

A fifth suspect, former soldier Pfc. Steven D. Green, awaits a federal trial in Kentucky where he faces the death penalty if convicted.

The investigation of Watt involves a shooting at a checkpoint near Mahmoudiya, about 15 miles south of Baghdad. A soldier, unidentified in the documents, fired at a truck rushing the checkpoint, killing a woman inside, the letters said.

Investigators said sworn statements from other soldiers last month questioned the legitimacy of the shot, and said Watt and other members of his unit covered it up, according to the letters.

The military declined Friday to provide additional information about the investigation.

The 502nd Infantry Regiment is part of the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade based at Fort Campbell, Ky.