Ex-Cadet Enters Plea Over Battery at St. John’s Military School

A former cadet leader accused of assaulting a younger student at a Kansas military school has struck a deal with prosecutors for a 45-day jail sentence.

18-year-old David J. Burke, of McLean, Va., entered an Alford plea Monday to a reduced charge of aggravated battery. Such a plea means he does not admit the act, but acknowledges prosecutors could likely prove it.

Burke was a student at St. John’s Military School in Salina. The judge on Monday revoked his bond so that Burke could begin serving the proposed jail time, although his sentencing won’t take place until early August.

Burke’s lawyer says the agreement avoided trial on more serious charges of sexual battery. Prosecutor Christina Trocheck says the younger student agreed to the deal.

Associated Press Information from: The Salina Journal