The Boulder Marine who faked his disappearance and sparked an expensive search-and-rescue operation in the Boulder foothills, was sentenced today by a military judge at Camp Pendleton, Calif., to a small fine and no additional jail time, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.
Lance Hering — who faced up to 30 days in the brig, loss of pay and discharge from the Marine Corps — pleaded guilty to an unauthorized absence of more than 30 days. He was ordered to forfeit $1,166 in back pay. Hering also was given credit for time already served in jail, and his case was referred to a board that will determine his discharge status.
Hering, 23, was in hiding for more two years after faking an accident in Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Hering was ordered to be released today, after serving 33 days of pre-trial at the Camp Pendleton brig, said camp spokeswoman Maj. Lasica Kristen.
The Marines will later determine if Hering will receive a less-than-honorable discharge, Kristen said. The Corps will also continue to work with Colorado authorities in getting Hering back to Boulder where he faces a probation violation and a false reporting charge.
