Fort Stewart, Georgia — A young soldier’s family is calling for transparency and accountability after what they describe as a miscarriage of justice within the U.S. Army legal system. PFC Montrevious L. Riley, now 20, says he took a plea deal at his September 2025 court-martial despite maintaining his innocence in an assault case that has sparked growing outrage across social media.
The Incident at Fort Stewart
According to family accounts and supporters’ statements posted under the hashtag #FreePFCMontreviousRiley, the events began on the night of February 5, 2025, inside the barracks at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Riley, then 19, reportedly asked his neighbors to quiet down after they began drinking, yelling, and banging on walls. What followed, the family says, was a violent confrontation in a stairwell involving multiple intoxicated soldiers against Riley.
They claim Riley was attacked and beaten by several soldiers, sustaining a fractured hand and bruises to his shoulder and hip. During the altercation, a firearm discharged — but, according to statements from Riley’s family, there was no confirmed victim, bullet, or exit wound tied to the alleged “attempted murder” charge that was initially filed.
Allegations of Withheld Evidence and Misconduct
Supporters allege that crucial evidence was mishandled or hidden during the investigation and pre-trial process. Among the claims:
- Medical records showing no gunshot wound were allegedly withheld until after charges were filed.
- Another soldier’s fingerprints were reportedly found on the weapon.
- A witness claims to have text messages showing improper coordination between command and prosecution but fears retaliation if she comes forward.
- Riley reportedly went to the Charge of Quarters (CQ) for help during the initial disturbance, but no one was present — a detail family members say was ignored in the official investigation.
The family insists this case “is not about justice — it’s about control,” calling Riley’s confinement “an attempt to silence a young, Black soldier who didn’t back down from mistreatment.”
Court-Martial and Sentencing
On September 3, 2025, a General Court-Martial at Fort Stewart concluded with Riley being convicted by a military judge, pursuant to a plea deal, on three charges:
- Failure to obey a lawful general regulation (Article 92, UCMJ)
- Aggravated assault
- Simple assault with a loaded firearm (Article 128, UCMJ)
Riley was sentenced to 18 months confinement and a bad-conduct discharge, consistent with the plea agreement negotiated by his defense team, led by Mr. Daniel Higgins and MAJ Dylan S. Mack. The prosecution was led by MAJ Steven T. Poland, with CPT Jacqueline Dieguez and CPT Noah Duncan assisting.
Despite the plea, Riley and his family maintain his innocence. They say the plea was made under pressure — a decision to minimize potential years of confinement under a system they believe was stacked against him from the start.
Family friend Kaila Hoskin described Riley as “a calm, respectful young man with a heart of gold” who “has never had a single mark on his record.” Hoskin and others who know him say Riley enlisted at just 17 years old, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to build a better life for his family.
Community supporters have rallied behind him online, emphasizing that he acted in self-defense during the incident and calling for an independent review of the Army’s handling of the case.
Demands for Transparency
The Riley family and supporters are demanding:
- Full disclosure of medical and forensic evidence
- An investigation into unlawful command influence
- A review of his maximum-security confinement conditions
- The dismissal of charges they describe as “fabricated”
The case has drawn comparisons to past instances of disproportionate military justice outcomes for junior enlisted personnel who lack the institutional power or visibility to fight back against flawed investigations or command pressure.
“This week, Montrevious turned 20 years old. Instead of celebrating with his family, he’s locked away — a victim of a broken system more interested in preserving power than finding the truth,” a family member said.
The Salty Soldier will continue following developments in this case.
© 2025 The Salty Soldier. All rights reserved.
Reproduction without written consent is strictly prohibited.
