By AP/KWMU
Manilla, the Philippines – A judge in the Philippines will hold a hearing today (Monday) to decide whether to give U.S. officials custody of a Marine from St. Louis who was convicted of rape.
The U.S. Embassy is demanding that Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, 21, be returned while he appeals his conviction and 40-year sentence. That appeals process could take years.
The Philippine government agrees, citing a military pact that covers the treatment of U.S. troops.
The rape victim accused Smith of sexually assaulting her while she was drunk. Smith testified that the sex was consensual.