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MESA, Ariz. — The Department of Defense is investigating allegations of detainee abuse and retaliation against soldiers of the 56th Military Police Company in Mesa who blew the whistle.

Maj. Richard VanBuskirk, Staff Sgt. Gilberto Mendoza

The alleged abuse took place in and around military transports. They were called “con-air” flights because the cargo consisted of detainees, suspected militants, al-Qaida members and Iraqis who had been cleared of crimes.

The 56th Military Police Company was in charge of shuttling the detainees to and from prisons around Iraq.

Documents viewed by CBS Investigates indicate the detainees were struck in the head, kicked and denied water.

Staff Sgt. Gilberto Mendoza has been accused of the abuse, according to documents.

His commanding officer, Maj. Richard VanBuskirk, was made aware of the accusations. He said he investigated the case and cleared Mendoza.

“He was my squad leader,” he said. “He was in charge of the entire con air squad and he did a fabulous job.”

VanBuskirk is under investigation by the Department of Defense for allegedly retaliating against the soldiers who came forward with the abuse accusations.

He transferred them out of the detail and is accused of trying to sabotage their military careers, according to documents.

“There was some changes made but it had nothing to do with the allegations,” VanBuskirk said.

After the whistleblowers were transferred, Mendoza was put in charge of the con air squad, the documents said.

The inspector general’s office of the DOD is conducting the investigation.

May 22nd, 2008 | Category: Abuse, Torture flights |  Print This Post | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL