Fort Carson, Colo. (AP) A Fort Carson soldier plans to plead guilty Friday to a reduced charge of desertion and faces a sentence of up to three years in prison.

Authorities say 25-year-old Pvt. Robin Long of Boise, Idaho, fled to Canada in 2005 after his unit was deployed to Iraq. Canadian authorities denied his request for refuge and deported him in July of this year.

His attorney, James Branam, said Thursday long has reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to desertion with intent to remain away permanently, a lesser charge than desertion with intent to shirk hazardous duty.

Branam says long's sentence will be determined on Friday. He faces a dishonorable discharge as well as any prison time.