Marine drill instructor sentenced to 10 years for abusing recruits

By Mandy Mayfield

Published November 11, 2017 2:36pm ET

Marine drill instructor sentenced to 10 years for abusing recruits — In this Tuesday, Oct., 31, 2017 photo, U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph A. Felix, his wife, and his lawyers exit a courtroom after testimony at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Military prosecutors say the former Marine Corps drill instructor facing court-martial on charges including cruelty and maltreatment was "drunk on power" and targeted three Muslim recruits for abuse. Testimony began Tuesday, at the military trial of Felix. Prosecutors said Felix punched, choked and kicked recruits at the Marine Corps' Parris Island, South Carolina, training center. (Rory Laverty /The Washington Post/via AP) | Rory Laverty

A Marine Corps drill instructor was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday after being convicted for physically abusing recruits, including one who took his life following an incident.

The instructor, 34-year-old gunnery Sgt. Joseph Felix, was also sentenced to be dishonorably discharged, forfeit all pay, and a reduction of his rank to private.