Ex-CIA contractor resentenced to shorter prison term for beating of detainee in Afghanistan

Ex-CIA contractor’s prison term reduced in appeal

RALEIGH, N.C. — The first American civilian found guilty of mistreating a detainee during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has had his prison sentenced reduced to less than seven years.

Former CIA contractor David Passaro was resentenced Tuesday after the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the judge failed to explain his reason for giving Passaro a longer term than federal sentencing guidelines suggested.

Passaro was initially sentenced to more than eight years in prison.

Passaro was convicted in August 2006 after prosecutors argued that he beat detainee Abdul Wali with a flashlight and kicked him in the groin. Prosecutors said the assault took place during a two-day interrogation at a remote military base in Afghanistan in July 2003. Wali later died.