US staff sgt. convicted of obstructing justice in case that grew out of Ohio soldier’s suicide

Sgt. convicted in case that grew from Army suicide

CLEVELAND — A U.S. soldier has been reprimanded and demoted in a case that developed out of an Army private’s suicide.

Staff Sgt. Bob Clements, of Eastland, Texas, was one of four soldiers accused of mistreating others in their platoon in Iraq.

Family members say Pvt. Keiffer Wilhelm, who grew up in Willard in northwest Ohio, was driven to take his own life after being mistreated by his fellow soldiers. They expressed disappointment over Clements’ punishment.

The military has determined there was no evidence Wilhelm’s death was caused by misconduct.

Clements was convicted of obstructing justice at a court martial that ended Sunday in Kuwait.

Another defendant was sentenced to three months’ confinement, a third got six months and charges were dropped against the fourth.