Piling On –

March 15, 2020 – “They made it seem like I’m at West Point selling cocaine,” Rogers said. “I was just addicted to opioids.” He struck a deal to resign from the academy to avoid the prospect of a military trial — and potential incarceration. But there were other consequences.

Rogers was given an other than honorable discharge, which, in the words of his lawyer, “follows you like herpes for the rest of your life.” He was also ordered to repay the U.S. government $256,000 — the value of his education at West Point, which cadets attend free in exchange for a commitment of military service. For Rogers and his family, his experience represents a case of the military criminalizing addiction and wrecking a young person’s life in the process. A review of Rogers’ investigative reports and charging documents backs up his central argument: He’s not accused of selling drugs.

His crime was lending his car to a fellow cadet who used it to bring drugs on campus, including the pain pills that Rogers was dependent on.

@NBCNews